You're in for a treat with a braid featuring creamy cottage cheese and tart raspberries wrapped in flaky puff pastry. This delightful pastry combines rich flavors and textures, making it perfect for brunch or dessert. With ingredients like cottage cheese, cream cheese, fresh raspberries, and a sprinkle of coarse sugar, it's sure to impress. Plus, it's easy to make and store. Explore the steps to create this beautiful centerpiece for any occasion!
History
When you delve into the history of the cottage cheese and raspberry braid, you'll discover its roots in Eastern European cuisines, particularly in Poland and Ukraine.
These regions have a rich tradition of sweet and savory pastries, where cottage cheese has been a beloved ingredient for centuries. Its creamy texture not only elevates baked goods but also adds a protein boost.
The inclusion of raspberry, a fruit that gained popularity in pastries during the 20th century, enhances the braid's flavor profile with a delightful balance of sweetness and tang.
As fresh and preserved raspberries became accessible, this combination found its way into Western baking, making the cottage cheese and raspberry braid a cherished dish for brunch and dessert gatherings today.
Recipe
This delightful braid combines the creamy richness of cottage cheese and cream cheese with the tartness of fresh raspberries, all encased in a flaky puff pastry. It's perfect for a brunch gathering or as a delightful dessert. The balance of flavors and textures makes this dish not only a treat for the taste buds but also a beautiful centerpiece on your table. Additionally, the use of multi-functional products in cooking, like puff pastry, can elevate your dishes with ease.
To start, you'll create a luscious filling that blends cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and a hint of lemon zest for brightness. Fresh raspberries are gently folded into the mixture, providing a burst of fruitiness. The puff pastry serves as a perfect canvas, allowing the filling to shine while offering a satisfying crunch. This recipe will guide you step by step to create a stunning braid that's sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 sheet puff pastry (14×12 inches)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions:
In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, lemon zest, flour, and almond extract, pulsing until the mixture is almost smooth.
Gently fold in the fresh raspberries. Roll out the puff pastry into a 14×12-inch rectangle and place the filling lengthwise down the center.
Cut 1-inch diagonal slits on both sides of the filling. Alternate folding the slits over the filling, overlapping them to completely enclose it.
Brush the top with an egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake the braid in a preheated oven at 400°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
Allow it to cool on a wire rack before drizzling a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice over the top and serving.
Extra Tips:
When preparing this braid, make sure your puff pastry is well-chilled for easier handling and better flakiness once baked.
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling mixture.
For an extra touch, you can serve the braid with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and gently reheat in the oven to restore the pastry's crispiness before serving again.
Cooking Steps
To start, you'll want to prepare the dough in your bread machine for a smooth consistency.
Once the dough is ready, roll it out and get it prepped for the delicious filling.
After that, it's time to braid and shape the dough into a beautiful pastry!
Step 1. Prepare Dough in Bread Machine
Start by combining 50 g of butter, 125 g of cottage cheese, a pinch of salt, vanilla sugar, 75 g of sugar, 1 egg, 220 g of flour, and 1 tsp of dough leavener in the bread pan according to your machine's instructions.
Select the appropriate dough setting, which includes kneading and rising cycles. Monitor the dough's consistency; it should form a smooth ball that pulls away from the pan's sides without sticking.
Once the dough cycle finishes, remove the dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. This prepares it perfectly for the cream cheese filling.
Let the braid rise briefly before baking to enhance its texture and flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Step 2. Knead Dough Until Smooth
Kneading the dough is crucial for achieving that perfect smooth and elastic texture. Start by combining your butter, cottage cheese, and sugar in a mixing bowl until well integrated.
Then, gradually add the flour and a pinch of salt and vanilla sugar to enhance the flavor. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. If it feels sticky, don't hesitate to sprinkle a little more flour until it's manageable without losing moisture.
This is the time to incorporate your cream cheese mixture and sour cream, ensuring everything blends beautifully. Once you've kneaded the dough to your satisfaction, let it rest for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
This makes rolling out the dough much easier later!
Step 3. Roll Out the Dough
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking, aiming for a 14×12-inch rectangle.
Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness across the entire surface, which will make filling and shaping much easier. As you roll, keep an eye on the dough's shape; maintaining that rectangle is crucial for even cuts and folding later.
After you've rolled it out, check the thickness—it should be about 1/8 inch thick for proper baking and texture.
If you find the dough getting too soft or sticky, don't hesitate to pop it in the refrigerator briefly. This will help you manage it better as you prepare for the next steps.
Step 4. Add Filling to Dough
After you've rolled out the dough into a perfect rectangle, it's time to add the filling.
Start by preparing your filling mixture in a food processor. Pulse together cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, lemon peel, flour, lemon juice, and almond extract until smooth.
Once it's ready, spread the filling mixture lengthwise down the center of the dough, leaving space at the edges for sealing.
Next, dollop some raspberry jam on top of the filling, then layer fresh raspberries evenly over everything for that burst of flavor.
Finally, fold the dough strips over the filling, alternating sides and overlapping them to completely enclose the delicious filling before baking.
Enjoy the process!
Step 5. Braid and Shape the Dough
With the filling now nestled in the center of your beautifully rolled dough, it's time to braid and shape it into an eye-catching pastry.
Start by cutting 1-inch slits diagonally down both sides of the dough, ensuring you cut to within 1/2-inch of the filling. This creates the perfect overlapping strips for your raspberry cream cheese braid.
Once you've made the cuts, carefully fold the pastry strips alternately over the filling from the top, keeping everything neat and enclosed.
After shaping, lightly brush the braid with an egg wash for a golden finish.
Finally, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking to add a delightful crunch. Enjoy your stunning creation!
Final Thoughts
As you savor the delightful braid with cottage cheese and raspberries, you'll appreciate how the creamy filling and flaky pastry combine to create a treat that's both satisfying and versatile.
The blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and fresh raspberries offers a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. When baked to a perfect golden brown, your braid will shine, especially with the added crunch from the coarse sugar sprinkled on top.
The delightful blend of creamy cheeses and fresh raspberries creates a stunning pastry that's both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.
Whether you enjoy it warm or at room temperature, this dessert will impress at gatherings or cozy nights in.
And if you have leftovers, simply cover them with clingfilm and freeze them for future enjoyment. You'll find that the flavors remain delightful, allowing you to indulge long after baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Cottage Cheese With Another Dairy Product?
Yes, you can definitely substitute cottage cheese with another dairy product! Greek yogurt is a great option, as it's thick and creamy, providing a similar texture.
Sour cream can work too, but keep in mind it'll add a tangy flavor. If you're looking for a lower-fat alternative, consider using ricotta cheese.
Just remember to adjust the quantities based on the creaminess and taste you want in your dish. Enjoy experimenting!
How Can I Store Leftover Braid With Cottage Cheese?
"Don't put all your eggs in one basket."
When you've got leftovers, it's essential to store them properly. Place your braid in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Store it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before enjoying it again.
This way, you keep your delicious treat fresh!
What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese offers a variety of nutritional benefits.
It's packed with protein, which helps you build and repair muscles. You'll also find calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
Plus, it's low in fat, making it a great option if you're watching your weight. The probiotics in cottage cheese can support gut health, too.
Incorporating it into your diet can help you meet your daily nutritional needs while enjoying its creamy texture.
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones!
They're often just as nutritious and usually picked at peak ripeness, so they taste great. Just remember to thaw them before using, as this helps prevent excess moisture from affecting your dish.
You might notice a difference in texture, but the flavor will still shine through.
Enjoy experimenting with frozen raspberries in your recipes, and you'll love the results!
Is This Recipe Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?
Like a dancer gliding across the stage, you'll want to ensure your recipe fits a gluten-free diet.
If it calls for all-purpose flour or similar gluten-containing ingredients, it won't be suitable for you. However, you can easily substitute with gluten-free flour blends.
Just keep an eye on the measurements, as these may differ slightly. With the right adjustments, you can enjoy your dish without missing out on flavor or texture!
