Place milk in a large pan, and bring up to 120 degrees F. over medium heat.
When milk reaches 120 degrees F., take it off the heat and slowly pour in vinegar while stirring. A big ole' curd will form. Cover the pot, and allow the milk/giant curd to sit for 30 minutes.
After the time has passed, place a cotton tea towel in a colander, and drain the curd from the whey.
Once the curd is in the towel, gather up all of the corners of the towel and wash the curd, under cold water, for 5 minutes. You are going to have this big chunk of curd inside the towel. Hold onto towel and future cheese under the water, and massage the curd to wash it until the water runs clear.
After you are done washing, squeeze all of the extra water through the towel. You will end up with small, dry curd when you are done.
Place curd in a bowl, and add the cream and salt (to taste) to the curd right before you serve it. If you are only going to eat half, only add half the cream to half the curd.
Store leftover curds and cream separately in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
Notes
Be generous with the salt; it's an important part of this recipe.
Whole milk can be used instead of skim milk, but the cottage cheese will be higher in fat.
Don't use ultra-pasteurized milk because it won't curdle as needed.
A thin towel, such as a flour sack towel, or cheesecloth can be used to wrap and rinse the cheese curd.