Cottage Cheese Paste

Cottage Cheese Paste Recipe from Romania | Delicious and Healthy

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Paste is a delicious and creamy dessert that is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. This recipe combines the richness of cottage cheese with the sweetness of raisins and the crunch of walnuts to create a unique and flavorful treat.

History

Cottage Cheese Paste has its origins in Eastern European cuisine, where cottage cheese is a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays.

Ingredients

14 oz / 400 g cottage cheese
7 oz / 200 g butter
0.5 cup sour cream
2 eggs
0.25 cup milk
4 oz / 100 g raisins
2 oz / 50 g ground walnuts
salt
1 cup confectioner's sugar
vanilla

How to prepare

Sieve or grind the cheese.
Beat the eggs with the sugar. Add milk, salt, and vanilla. Set on the range and stir until it starts to thicken.
Remove from heat and add butter. Mix well.
When the mixture is almost cold, add cheese, sour cream, raisins, and walnuts.
Put this mixture into a cloth, tie tightly, and weigh down with something heavy for 5 – 6 hours.
Keep refrigerated.
Then remove from the cloth and cut like a layer cake.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or brandy for a boozy twist.
Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture and flavor.

- Be sure to beat the eggs and sugar until they are light and fluffy to ensure a smooth consistency.

- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 5-6 hours to allow it to set properly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cottage Cheese Paste as a dessert after a hearty meal or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the egg and sugar mixture over low heat to prevent curdling.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ricotta cheese as a substitute for cottage cheese if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Cottage Cheese Paste can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Cottage Cheese Paste with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of hot tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Cottage Cheese Paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Cottage Cheese Paste is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.

Alergens

Contains dairy (cottage cheese, butter, sour cream, eggs)

Summary

Cottage Cheese Paste is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in fats and calories but also provides essential nutrients like protein and calcium.

Summary

Cottage Cheese Paste is a decadent and creamy dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. With a rich and creamy texture and a hint of sweetness from the raisins, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Margaret's house. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most amazing aroma. Margaret was standing at the stove, stirring a pot of something that smelled absolutely divine.

"What are you making?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

"It's my grandmother's recipe for Cottage Cheese Paste," Margaret replied with a smile. "Would you like to try some?"

I eagerly accepted her offer and took a spoonful of the creamy, cheesy mixture. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The combination of cottage cheese, butter, and herbs was simply heavenly. I knew right then and there that I needed to learn how to make this dish myself.

Margaret graciously shared her grandmother's recipe with me, along with the story of how it came to be a family favorite. Apparently, her grandmother had learned the recipe from a dear friend who had immigrated from Eastern Europe many years ago. The friend had taught her how to make the Cottage Cheese Paste as a way to preserve the dairy products they had on hand during the long winter months.

I was fascinated by the history behind the recipe and couldn't wait to try making it myself. I gathered all the ingredients I would need – cottage cheese, butter, fresh herbs, and a few seasonings – and set to work in my own kitchen.

As I followed the recipe, I found myself thinking about all the different places and people who had contributed to my culinary repertoire over the years. From my own mother's kitchen to the cooking classes I had taken as a young woman, I had picked up recipes and techniques from all sorts of sources. But there was something special about learning a recipe that had been passed down through generations, like the Cottage Cheese Paste.

The aroma of the dish wafted through my kitchen as it cooked, filling the air with a tantalizing scent that made my mouth water. When it was finally ready, I scooped a generous portion onto a slice of crusty bread and took a bite. The creamy texture and rich flavor of the Cottage Cheese Paste were even better than I remembered.

I knew right away that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, just as it had in Margaret's family. I made a mental note to share it with my own grandchildren, passing down the tradition of making Cottage Cheese Paste from one generation to the next.

In the days that followed, I experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding in new herbs and spices to create my own unique twist on the classic dish. Each time I made it, I thought of Margaret's grandmother and the friend who had taught her the recipe all those years ago. I felt a connection to them through the simple act of cooking, bridging the gap between generations with a shared love of good food.

As I grew older, my repertoire of recipes continued to expand, but the Cottage Cheese Paste remained a constant favorite. It was a dish that brought back memories of warm summer days and good times shared with friends and family. It was a dish that reminded me of the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other.

And so, I passed the recipe down to my own grandchildren, teaching them how to make the Cottage Cheese Paste just as Margaret had taught me. I watched with pride as they learned the steps, their faces lighting up with delight as they took their first taste of the creamy, flavorful dish.

As I sat at the table with my family, enjoying a meal made with love and tradition, I knew that the recipe for Cottage Cheese Paste would continue to be a part of our lives for generations to come. And I couldn't help but feel grateful for all the places and people who had brought this simple, delicious dish into my world.