Cheese and sour cherry pudding

Cherry Cheese Pudding – The Dessert of Childhood

Do you remember the sweet-sour taste of cherries from your childhood? This cherry cheese pudding is a dessert that combines memories with authentic flavors, bringing a smile to your face with every bite. It is a simple dessert to prepare, but with a remarkable impact, ideal for impressing family and friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 60 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 250 g sweet cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- 1 tablespoon corn starch (or 2 tablespoons potato starch)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (or a pinch of lemon salt)
- Cherry jam (to taste)
- Sour cream (for serving)

Step by step for a perfect pudding:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth mixture. If using fresh cherries, make sure to remove the pits.

2. Separate the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. This step is crucial, as the whipped egg whites will give the pudding a fluffy, airy texture.

3. Whip the egg whites: In a clean bowl, add the egg whites and lemon juice. Use a mixer on high speed until you get a glossy foam. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the foam becomes firm and shiny. This process will take about 3-5 minutes.

4. Prepare the cheese mixture: In another bowl, beat the yolks with granulated sugar, semolina, starch, salt, milk, sweet cottage cheese, baking powder, and vanilla sugar. Use a spatula or whisk to homogenize the ingredients until you obtain a smooth mixture.

5. Combine the two mixtures: Using a spatula, gradually add the whipped egg whites to the cheese mixture, gently folding from the bottom up to preserve the air in the egg whites. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy pudding.

6. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a loaf pan with butter and sprinkle a little semolina on the bottom and sides to prevent sticking.

7. Pour the mixture: Pour half of the prepared mixture into the pan, then add the cherries here and there. Cover with the remaining mixture and smooth the surface with a spatula or spoon.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 °C (or gas mark 4). Place the pan in the oven and bake the pudding for 40 minutes, until it becomes golden and firm.

9. Cooling: Once the pudding is ready, let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a serving plate. Trim the sides for a more elegant appearance.

10. Serving: The pudding can be served warm or cold, topped with sour cream and a drizzle of cherry jam. This will add a touch of freshness and a delicious contrast between sweet and sour.

Practical tips:
- Choose the right cheese: Use quality sweet cottage cheese, preferably fresh, to achieve a creamy texture.
- Vary the fruits: If you don’t have cherries, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits like cherries, peaches, or apples.
- For an extra flavor: Add a little vanilla extract or lemon zest to the cheese mixture to enhance the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
Cherry cheese pudding is not only delicious but also nutritious. Sweet cheese is rich in protein and calcium, while cherries provide antioxidants and essential vitamins. It is a dessert that can easily be included in your balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can try ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but adjust the sugar quantity according to the sweetness of the cheese.

2. How can I store the pudding?
This pudding stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap.

3. What drinks can be paired with this dessert?
A cup of fruit tea or flavored coffee pairs excellently with cherry cheese pudding.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to try this delicious cherry cheese pudding recipe! Enjoy every step of the preparation and don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones. Bon appétit!