Cheese with Strawberry Jelly Delight

This delightful recipe combines the creamy richness of homemade cheese with the refreshing sweetness of strawberry jelly. Perfect for a light dessert or a special brunch treat, this unique dish offers an exquisite balance of flavors and textures. The cheese, made with a blend of milk, kefir, and sour cream, provides a soft and smooth base, while fresh strawberries bring a vibrant and fruity contrast. The preparation involves a careful process of curdling the milk mixture and then blending it with butter for a creamy finish. Strawberry jelly, made from fresh berries and gelatin, adds a glossy topping that not only enhances the flavor but also creates a visually appealing layer. This recipe is simple yet elegant enough to impress your guests. With a preparation time of about an hour, it is ideal for those who enjoy culinary creativity without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy this delightful treat chilled, and savor each bite filled with the fusion of cheese and berries. For cheese lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike, this recipe promises to be a refreshing and delicious choice.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 0.5 liters milk
• 0.5 liters kefir
• 100 g sour cream or plain yogurt
• 2 eggs
• 50 g butter

Sweeteners:

• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

Flavorings:

• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• A handful of raisins
• Fresh strawberries

For the Jelly:

• Gelatin: 1 teaspoon for 50 ml water

Preparation Time

Total time: 60 minutes, including preparation and cooking.

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Pour the milk into a saucepan, add the raisins, and heat over medium flame. Do not let it boil.
2. In another bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, sour cream, kefir, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
3. Once the milk is warm but not boiling, gradually pour the egg and kefir mixture into the saucepan. Stir continuously.
4. Continue heating the mixture until the whey begins to separate from the curds. Do not allow it to boil.
5. Once the curds have formed, strain the mixture through a sieve lined with cheesecloth to drain off the whey.
6. In a pan, melt the butter and then add the cheese curds. Stir well until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.
7. Transfer the cheese mixture into a butter-greased mold or bowl, pressing it down evenly.
8. To prepare the strawberry jelly, blend about five medium strawberries until smooth.
9. In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in 50 ml of water and let it swell. Then, gently heat and stir until it dissolves completely.
10. Mix the dissolved gelatin into the strawberry puree until well combined.
11. Pour the strawberry jelly mixture over the cheese in the mold. Ensure it covers the surface evenly.
12. Chill the cheese and jelly mixture in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to set.
13. Once set, carefully invert the mold onto a serving plate and let the cheese slide out.
14. Slice into portions and serve.
15. Enjoy your homemade cheese with strawberry jelly!

Tips

• Alternative to kefir: You can replace kefir with buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
• Gelatin handling: Ensure gelatin is fully dissolved before mixing with the strawberry puree for a smooth jelly layer.
• Raising flavor: For a little extra flavor, add a pinch of lemon zest to the cheese mixture.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 310 per serving
• Protein: 6g
• Fats: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 35g

Variations

• Vegan Version: Substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and coconut yogurt. Use agar-agar instead of gelatin.
• Berry swap: Use a different berry for the jelly, like raspberries or blueberries, for a variation in taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfectly paired with fresh mint leaves on top for a refreshing touch.
• Serve with a side of mixed fresh berries for a vibrant and healthy addition.

Best Places

• The Cheese Bar - A trendy spot in London offering unique cheese-based dishes. Location: Camden Market, London, UK.
• Cows Creamery - Known for its gourmet cheeses and ice cream. Location: Prince Edward Island, Canada.
• Le Fromage - A cozy cheese café with a focus on artisan cheese products. Location: Paris, France.
• The Cheese School of San Francisco - A must-visit for cheese lovers, offering tasting classes. Location: San Francisco, USA.
• Swiss Chuchi - Serves traditional Swiss cheese fondue in a charming setting. Location: Zurich, Switzerland.
• La Fromagerie - A deli offering great selections of cheeses and classic meals. Location: London, UK.
• Cheesemongers of Santa Fe - A charming shop offering exceptional cheeses. Location: Santa Fe, USA.
• Vella Cheese Company - Traditional cheese producers renowned for their aged cheeses. Location: Sonoma, USA.
• Murrays Cheese Shop - Offers a wide array of cheeses and gourmet food items. Location: New York City, USA.
• Maison Mons - Experts in the art of maturing and blending cheeses. Location: St Haon le Chatel, France.