Cottage Cheese Sticks

Cottage cheese sticks are a delightful treat that combines the natural creaminess of cottage cheese with a subtle sweetness and a golden, crispy exterior. This dish is an excellent choice for a snack or a light dessert and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. The core ingredient, cottage cheese, is packed with protein, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. These sticks are simple to prepare and require very few ingredients, which are likely already in your kitchen. They make a great accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea, adding a comforting touch to your afternoon break. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to experiment with flavors by adding various spices or coatings. The preparation process is straightforward, ensuring a quick and easy cooking experience. With a few simple techniques, you can achieve a perfect crisp outside and a tender inside. Serve these delicacies as part of a dessert platter or enjoy them as a standalone treat.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 300 g cottage cheese
• 4 egg yolks
• 20 g sugar
• 20 g wheat flour
• 10 g potato starch (flour)

Spices

• Salt
• Vanilla sugar

For Frying

• Fat (a large amount)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

2. Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the cottage cheese to the egg mixture, ensuring it's thoroughly mixed and smooth. You may use a blender to achieve a finer texture if desired.

3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the wheat flour and potato starch into the cheese mixture. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the batter, ensuring there are no lumps.

4. Form the Sticks: Take small portions of the prepared mixture and shape them into sticks or logs, about the length and thickness of your finger.

5. Heat the Fat: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat a generous amount of frying fat. A proper heat level is critical to achieving a crispy exterior.

6. Test the Oil: Drop a small piece of batter into the fat; it should sizzle and rise to the surface within a few seconds if the fat is ready for frying.

7. Fry the Sticks: Carefully place a few cottage cheese sticks into the hot fat without overcrowding the pan. Fry until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

8. Drain Excess Fat: Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks from the fat and transfer them onto a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.

9. Repeat: Continue frying the rest of the sticks, ensuring each batch is golden and crispy.

10. Add Sweetness: Once all sticks are fried, dust them generously with powdered sugar for added sweetness.

11. Experiment with Flavors: For variations, you may add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra flavor dimension.

12. Serve the Sticks: Serve the cottage cheese sticks warm, ideally right after frying, for the best texture and flavor.

13. Garnish: Consider garnishing with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a touch of freshness and color.

14. Storage Tips: If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven to regain crispness.

15. Offer Dips: Offer a side of berry compote or a drizzle of honey as a dipping sauce for added flavor.

16. Play with Coatings: For an additional twist, roll the sticks in ground almonds or crushed cornflakes before frying.

17. Check Consistency: If the batter is too runny, add a little more flour until the desired consistency is reached.

18. Ensure Even Frying: Make sure to fry on a medium heat to allow the sticks to cook through without burning.

19. Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on the frying process as these sticks can quickly go from perfectly golden to overcooked.

20. Finish and Enjoy: Once finished, serve them with a smile and watch them disappear before your eyes.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use ricotta cheese for a different texture.
• Techniques: Freeze the formed sticks for 10 minutes before frying to help retain their shape.
• Handling Fat: Regularly skim off debris from the frying fat to prevent burning flavors.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
• Protein: 6g
• Fats: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 15g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute wheat flour with almond or coconut flour.
• Sweet & Savory: Add a touch of grated cheese for a savory twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with stewed apples or warm chocolate sauce.
• Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt.

Best Places

Café Viennese - Praised for its cozy ambiance and sweet offerings. Location: 42 Schönbrunner Str., Vienna, Austria.

Boulangerie Pierre - Renowned for its rustic charm and fresh pastries. Location: 19 Rue du Pain, Paris, France.

Tea Tale Café - Known for its premium teas and delightful snacks. Location: 12 Breakfast Lane, London, UK.

Sweet Spot Bakery - Offers a variety of homemade treats in a charming setting. Location: 5 Sugar Cove, Toronto, Canada.

Sunny Delight Café - Features a sunny atmosphere and a selection of homemade desserts. Location: 22 Palm Ave, Miami, USA.

The Cozy Nook - Perfect for afternoon tea and sweet indulgences. Location: 33 Warm St., Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Bake & Blossom - Popular for its creative twists on classic desserts. Location: 4 Blossom Rd, Sydney, Australia.

Hidden Hearth Café - An intimate spot with a delectable dessert menu. Location: 8 Heartbeat Blvd, Auckland, New Zealand.

Tranquil Taste Café - Sought after for its tranquil setting and delicious snacks. Location: 15 Serenity St., Kyoto, Japan.

Harmony Haven - Famed for its serene ambiance and quality confections. Location: 20 Peace Place, Cape Town, South Africa.