Delicious Cottage Cheese Bake

This delightful cottage cheese bake is a wonderful dessert that perfectly balances the rich and creamy texture of cottage cheese with the sweet and tangy zest of orange. It’s an excellent choice for those who love a slightly sweet treat with a hint of citrus. The addition of dried fruits and nuts provides an enticing texture, making it both satisfying and nutritious. It is an easy-to-make dish that requires minimal effort yet rewards with rich flavors. Whether you're serving it as a dessert after a hearty meal or as a sweet snack during the day, this bake is bound to impress. The golden crust is sure to entice you, while the interior remains moist and flavorful. The recipe can be easily adjusted to include your favorite dried fruits or nuts, allowing for creativity in the kitchen. Served with a berry or fruit sauce, it becomes a dessert that fits any occasion.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 500-700 g cottage cheese
• 2 eggs
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 4 tbsp semolina
• 2-4 tbsp sour cream
• Zest of 1 orange, freshly grated

Optional Add-ins

• Dried apricots
• Raisins
• Nuts or almonds

Preparation Time

Total Time: 40 minutes (includes prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese with sour cream. Use a spatula to mix them until smooth.

2. Add Eggs and Sugar: Gently crack the eggs into the mixture, stirring them in one at a time. Add the sugar, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

3. Incorporate the Flavorings: Stir in the grated orange zest, giving the mixture a lovely citrus aroma.

4. Mix in the Dried Fruits and Nuts: Chop the dried apricots and add them along with raisins and nuts. Fold these add-ins delicately to ensure even distribution.

5. Blend in the Semolina: Introduce the semolina into the mixture. If the batter appears too loose, add more semolina; if too thick, incorporate additional sour cream until the consistency is right.

6. Achieve a Uniform Mixture: Mix everything thoroughly until the batter is smooth and consistent.

7. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a springform pan or any baking dish with removable sides. Pour the batter into the pan, leveling the top with a spatula.

8. Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (about 390 degrees Fahrenheit). Cover the pan with foil and bake for the first 15-20 minutes to control browning.

9. Finish Baking for a Golden Top: Remove the foil and switch to a grill setting for the last 5-7 minutes, letting the top develop a golden-brown color.

10. Check for Doneness: Test with a wooden skewer; if it comes out clean, the bake is done.

11. Cool and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the bake cool slightly before removing the sides of the pan.

12. Pair with a Sauce: Serve with berry or fruit sauce to complement the flavors.

Tips

• Substitution: If you dislike raisins, feel free to substitute them with other dried fruits like cranberries or dates.
• Texture Control: Alter the amount of semolina or sour cream to achieve your preferred texture.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Protein: ~12g
• Fats: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour instead of semolina.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the cottage cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this dish with a refreshing fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Enjoy a slice with a cup of herbal tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Best Places

• Cafe Riga - A rustic cafe known for its traditional dishes. Location: Brivibas St 39, Riga, Latvia.
• Sweet Delight - Offers a range of delicious baked goods and desserts. Location: Baker St 12, London, UK.
• Cottage Corner - A cozy spot with a variety of cottage cheese delicacies. Location: Maple Ave 56, Toronto, Canada.
• Bistro du Fromage - Famous for its cheese-based dishes. Location: Rue de Rivoli 180, Paris, France.
• Tasty Treats - Specializes in homemade, artisanal desserts. Location: Broadway 444, New York, USA.
• Frosty Cafe - Known for its creative dessert offerings. Location: King St 29, Sydney, Australia.
• The Dessert House - Offers a unique range of family-style desserts. Location: Main St 77, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Savory & Sweet - A hidden gem for cheese lovers. Location: Tverskaya St 11, Moscow, Russia.
• Delish Bakery - A local favorite for its sweet and savory delights. Location: Via Roma 55, Rome, Italy.
• Cheese Haven - A paradise for cheese enthusiasts. Location: Albertinaplatz 3, Vienna, Austria.