Delicious Cottage Cheese Puff Pastries

This delightful dessert, known as **biezpiena kabatiņas**, hails from Latvia. It combines the rich flavors of cottage cheese and apricots enveloped in flaky puff pastry. The golden brown pastries are perfect for an afternoon treat or a dinner party finale. With origins in Eastern European baking traditions, these pastries showcase simple ingredients transformed into an elegant dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Puff pastry
150 g cottage cheese
1 egg
Canned apricots
Sugar (to taste)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (approximately 390°F). This will ensure it's at the perfect temperature for baking the pastries.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Remove the puff pastry from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to work with.
Divide the Dough: Using a sharp knife, cut the puff pastry into even squares. Aim for approximately 3-inch squares to ensure they cook evenly.
Sweeten the Cottage Cheese: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese with sugar to taste. Mash it together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Fill the Pastries: Place a spoonful of the sweetened cottage cheese in the center of each puff pastry square, being careful not to overfill.
Prepare the Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl until fully mixed. This will be used for glazing later.
Fold the Corners: Gently pinch each corner of the pastry square and fold it towards the center over the cheese, creating a little parcel. This doesn't have to be perfect; a rustic look is charming.
Add the Apricots: Place half an apricot in the center of each folded pastry, nestling it into the cheese mixture.
Brush with Egg Wash: Using a pastry brush, glaze each parcel with the beaten egg. This gives the pastry a beautiful golden sheen once baked.
Bake: Arrange the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they achieve a golden brown color.
Cool Before Serving: Allow the pastries to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Tips

Substitute with Fresh Fruit: If canned apricots aren't available, fresh apricots or any stone fruit works beautifully.
Experiment with Fillings: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla to the cottage cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve Warm: These pastries are best served warm to enjoy the richness of the filling.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 150 per pastry
Protein: 5g
Fats: 8g
Carbs: 15g

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free puff pastry dough for those with dietary restrictions.
Vegan Option: Replace the cottage cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use a flax egg for the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Best Places

Sweet Treats Bakery - A cozy spot known for its variety of pastries using locally sourced ingredients. Location: 123 Market Street, Riga, Latvia.
Puff Pastry Delight - Known for its traditional Eastern European pastries with a modern twist. Location: 58 Main Avenue, Vilnius, Lithuania.
Apricot’s Bakery - Specializes in fruit-filled pastries, offering a refreshing take on old classics. Location: 47 Orchard Road, Tallinn, Estonia.
Baker’s Haven - Offers a wide selection of pastries, with cottage cheese variations as a favorite. Location: 25 Rose Lane, Warsaw, Poland.
Cottage Bakehouse - Features an array of sweet and savory puff pastry dishes. Location: 235 Elm Street, Prague, Czech Republic.
Taste of Tradition - Known for its authentic and historic pastry recipes, housed in a charming bakery. Location: 19 Baker’s Street, Budapest, Hungary.
Fruitful Kitchen - A superb choice for fresh fruit pastries. Seasonal offerings are a must-try. Location: 42 Bridge Street, Vienna, Austria.
Sweet Nest - Offers a creative spin on classical pastries with unique flavors. Location: 101 Sweet Avenue, Berlin, Germany.
The Dessert Factory - A contemporary eatery with an eye-catching dessert showcase. Location: 78 Queen Street, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Puff Tavern - Combines a relaxed atmosphere with expertly crafted pastries. Location: 16 Pastry Place, Brussels, Belgium.

Enjoy making and tasting these delightful cottage cheese puff pastries, and don't hesitate to visit these amazing spots for a memorable pastry experience!