Cheese-stuffed Love Apples

Vegetarian Cheese-Stuffed Love Apples Recipe with Cottage Cheese, Yogurt, and Dill

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 10 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cheese-stuffed Love Apples are a delightful and elegant appetizer that is perfect for any gathering or special occasion. These bite-sized treats are bursting with creamy cheese and fresh herbs, making them a delicious and satisfying snack.

History

The origins of Cheese-stuffed Love Apples can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, where tomatoes and cheese are commonly used in traditional cuisine. This recipe puts a modern twist on a classic combination, creating a flavorful and visually appealing dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of nonfat or low-fat cottage cheese
0.25 lb (113 g) of soft, fresh goat cheese
2 tbsp of plain nonfat yogurt
0.25 to 0.5 cup of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, tarragon, dill, and chives), or to taste
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
10 cherry tomatoes
10 small dill sprigs for garnish

How to prepare

Put cottage cheese and goat cheese in a food processor fitted with a steel blade, and purée until smooth.
Add yogurt, and process for 1 to 2 minutes more, or until very smooth.
Scrape the mixture into a bowl, and stir in the herbs, salt, and pepper. Set it aside.
Cut off a thin slice from the top of each cherry tomato.
Using a small spoon, scoop out the seeds and flesh from the centers.
Lightly salt the insides of the tomatoes, and invert them on a rack set in the sink. Let them drain for 5 to 10 minutes.
Spoon the herbed cheese into each tomato, garnish with a dill sprig, and serve, or refrigerate until serving time.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese, such as feta or blue cheese, for a unique flavor profile.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the filling for added texture and sweetness.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze or honey for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.

- Make sure to drain the tomatoes after scooping out the seeds to prevent the filling from becoming watery.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite herbs and spices for a unique twist on this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheese-stuffed Love Apples as a tasty appetizer at your next dinner party or special event. They also make a great addition to a cheese platter or charcuterie board.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy appetizer option for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cottage cheese, you can use ricotta or cream cheese as a substitute. You can also use dried herbs in place of fresh herbs if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for Cheese-stuffed Love Apples ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Fill the tomatoes just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Cheese-stuffed Love Apples on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation. Serve with toothpicks or small forks for easy eating.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cheese-stuffed Love Apples with a crisp white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing and satisfying snack. They also pair well with crackers or crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cheese-stuffed Love Apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best results.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheese-stuffed Love Apples contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheese-stuffed Love Apples contains approximately 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheese-stuffed Love Apples contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheese-stuffed Love Apples contains approximately 7 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cheese-stuffed Love Apples are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Cheese-stuffed Love Apples are a nutritious and delicious appetizer option that is perfect for any occasion. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is a healthy choice for snack time.

Summary

Cheese-stuffed Love Apples are a delicious and nutritious appetizer option that is perfect for any occasion. With a creamy cheese filling and fresh herbs, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cheese-stuffed Love Apples. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Margaret was known for her delicious baking and always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping on cups of tea, Margaret pulled out a worn, stained recipe card from her collection. She handed it to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and said, "I think you'll love this one, my dear. It's a family favorite - Cheese-stuffed Love Apples."

I eagerly scanned the ingredients and instructions, feeling a surge of excitement at the thought of trying something new and potentially delicious. The recipe called for ripe tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, and a few other simple ingredients. It seemed like a unique twist on a classic dish, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Margaret explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She recalled fond memories of making Cheese-stuffed Love Apples with her grandmother as a young girl, and how it had always been a special treat for her family.

As Margaret and I set to work in her kitchen, I listened intently as she shared tips and tricks for preparing the dish. She showed me how to carefully hollow out the tomatoes, leaving just enough flesh to hold the cheesy filling. She demonstrated how to mix the breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese together to create a flavorful stuffing that would complement the juicy tomatoes perfectly.

As we worked side by side, the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of baking tomatoes and melted cheese. I could feel a sense of warmth and nostalgia washing over me, as I thought about the generations of women who had lovingly prepared this dish before me.

When the Cheese-stuffed Love Apples finally emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, I could hardly contain my excitement. Margaret and I eagerly dug into the piping hot tomatoes, savoring each cheesy bite with delight. The combination of the tangy cheddar, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy breadcrumbs was absolutely divine.

From that day on, Cheese-stuffed Love Apples became a staple in my own recipe collection. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and whenever I wanted to treat myself to a taste of nostalgia. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a connection to Margaret, her grandmother, and all the women who had come before me, sharing this simple yet special recipe.

Over the years, I continued to refine and adapt the recipe, adding my own touches and variations to suit my taste. I experimented with different types of cheese, herbs, and seasonings, always striving to create the perfect balance of flavors in each bite.

As I grew older, I cherished the memories of learning to make Cheese-stuffed Love Apples with Margaret in her sunny kitchen by the sea. The recipe had become more than just a dish to me - it was a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones.

And so, whenever I make Cheese-stuffed Love Apples now, I do so with a grateful heart and a smile on my face, remembering the day I first discovered this delightful recipe and the special bond it created between me and my dear friend Margaret.