Biezpiena Keksini Delight

Biezpiena Keksini is a delightful cottage cheese pastry that offers a unique blend of flavors and a soft, moist texture. This treat combines the nutritional benefits of cottage cheese with the subtle sweetness of carrots and a hint of lemon zest. The warm, buttery aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is simply irresistible. Its appearance is as inviting as its taste, with a golden-brown crust that encases a light, tender crumb. Whether you serve it as a breakfast treat, a tea-time snack, or a sweet ending to a meal, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. The use of simple ingredients ensures it’s both budget-friendly and easy to prepare. Each bite combines delicate flavors and a slight tang from the lemon zest, making it refreshingly different. You'll love how customizable it is, allowing you to adapt it to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Best of all, it’s a foolproof recipe, perfect for novice bakers and seasoned cooks alike.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

200g cottage cheese
1 cup grated carrots
2 cups flour
100g butter
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder (Santa Maria)
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons sour cream

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) to ensure it's hot by the time you're ready to bake.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and frothy. This will incorporate air, helping your cake rise.
Incorporate the Cottage Cheese: Add the cottage cheese and a pinch of salt to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix well until combined.
Add the Butter and Zest: Melt and cool the butter. Once it’s cool, add it in with the grated carrots and lemon zest to the wet mixture. Stir until well combined.
Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Sift these into the wet ingredients, folding gently.
Adjust Consistency: If the batter appears too thick, add up to 3 tablespoons of sour cream. The consistency depends on the moisture in your cottage cheese.
Prepare the Baking Tins: Grease your muffin tins or line them with paper liners to prevent sticking.
Fill the Molds: Spoon the batter into the prepared tins, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow space for rising.
Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. Check for a golden-brown color and do the toothpick test (it should come out clean).
Cool and Serve: Once baked, let them cool slightly before removing from molds. They can be sprinkled with powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.

Tips

Cottage Cheese: Ensure it's mashed well if it’s too chunky.
Substitutions: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a different flavor.
Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 240 per serving
Protein: 6g
Fats: 10g
Carbs: 32g

Variations

Gluten-Free: Replace flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Sugar-Free: Substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or honey for a healthier option.

Serving Suggestions

With Tea: Enjoy with a warm cup of mint or chamomile tea.
As Dessert: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Brunch Option: Pair with a fresh fruit salad.

Best Places

Cafe Savoy - A historical café known for its rich pastries. Location: Vítězná 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
Boulangerie Poilâne - Famous for its artisanal bread and fine pastries. Location: 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris, France.
Tartine Bakery - Offers distinctive baked goods in a cozy setting. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
Konditori La Glace - The oldest patisserie in Copenhagen, offering classic treats. Location: Skoubogade 3, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Demel - An iconic café with exquisite pastries. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
Pasticceria Marchesi - Renowned for its elegant sweets in Milan. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, Milan, Italy.
Conditorei Schober - Offers a classic European pastry experience. Location: Napfgasse 4, Zürich, Switzerland.
Berry Bros. & Rudd - Known for its custom culinary offerings. Location: 3 St James's Street, London, UK.
Cafe Imperial - Blends traditional and contemporary dishes. Location: Na Poříčí 15, Prague, Czech Republic.
El Nacional - A luxury space offering a variety of cuisines. Location: Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona, Spain.