Homemade Almette

Homemade Almette: The Perfect Cream Cheese for Breakfast or Snack

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Do you want a delicious, easy-to-make cream cheese that will delight your taste buds? Homemade Almette is the perfect answer! This simple and quick recipe will provide you with a creamy combination of cottage cheese, butter, and sour cream, perfect for spreading on a slice of fresh bread or served alongside crunchy vegetables. Plus, I will share some tips and variations to customize the recipe to your taste!

The History of Almette
Almette is a type of cream cheese that has gained popularity worldwide due to its fine texture and refined taste. Although the recipe has evolved over time, its essence remains the same: a delicious combination of cheese, butter, and sour cream. It is loved both at breakfast and as an appetizer, being versatile and easily adaptable to various ingredients.

Necessary Ingredients
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably fresh)
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g sour cream (with a higher fat content for a creamy texture)
- 2 small onions (do not use red onion to avoid bitterness)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (fresh for an intense flavor)
- Salt (to taste)
- Optional: fresh chopped dill (for a flavorful taste)

Preparing Homemade Almette
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing. Take the butter out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before preparation. Also, the cottage cheese should be fresh and soft.

Step 2: Mix the cream
In a large bowl, add the butter and cream it well with a spatula or mixer until it becomes a smooth paste. This step is essential to achieve a fine and airy cream cheese.

Step 3: Add the cheese and sour cream
Gradually add the cottage cheese to the bowl and mix vigorously until fully incorporated. Then, add the sour cream and continue mixing. Using a blender is a great idea, as it will help achieve a very fine texture.

Step 4: Prepare the vegetables
Finely chop the onion and garlic. If you want to reduce the intensity of the onion's flavor, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes before chopping. Add the onion and garlic to the cheese mixture and mix well.

Step 5: Seasoning
Adjust the salt to taste. At this point, if desired, you can also add chopped dill, which will bring extra flavor and freshness. Mix everything well.

Step 6: Serving
Place the cream cheese in a serving bowl and, if desired, garnish with a few sprigs of dill. You can serve homemade Almette on toasted bread slices, crackers, or alongside fresh cut vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers.

Useful Tips
- Use fresh cottage cheese, as the taste will be much better than that of older cheese.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add spices such as freshly ground black pepper or chili flakes.
- For a more complex taste, you can add ingredients such as chopped olives, roasted peppers, or even nuts.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
One serving of homemade Almette (approximately 50 g) contains about 150-200 calories, depending on the proportions of the ingredients. It is a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese, while the butter and sour cream add healthy fats. It can be an excellent choice for breakfast, as it provides the energy needed to start your day.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I store homemade Almette?
Homemade Almette keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days.

3. Is it possible to make vegan homemade Almette?
Yes, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, the cheese with vegan cheese, and the sour cream with vegan yogurt.

Delicious Combinations
Homemade Almette pairs perfectly with:
- Whole grain toasted bread or baguettes
- Whole grain crackers
- Fresh salads
- Green smoothies for a healthy breakfast

Now that you know how to make homemade Almette, you have no excuse not to try this recipe! It's simple, quick, and will surely become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every spoonful and cherish the moments spent at the table with your loved ones!