Cheese pudding

Sweet Cheese Pudding with Sour Cherries - A Delight at Home

When it comes to desserts, sometimes we crave something simple yet delicious that brings us a sense of well-being. Sweet cheese pudding with sour cherries is exactly that type of dish. This recipe not only combines the delicate flavors of cheese with a hint of acidity from the sour cherries, but it is also easy to make, perfect for a lazy Sunday. Let's see how we can prepare this quick dessert that will surely become a family favorite!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8

Ingredients
For the pudding:
- 500 g sweet cottage cheese
- 170 g butter (at room temperature)
- 5 eggs (separate the whites from the yolks)
- 6 tablespoons semolina
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 170 g sugar (120 g for the cream, 50 g for the egg whites)
- 1 packet baking powder
- Vanilla (extract or vanilla sugar)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 200 g sour cherries (fresh or canned, drained)

For the glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice

Necessary Utensils
- A large mixing bowl
- A spatula
- A baking dish (25x20 cm)
- Electric mixer
- Grater for lemon zest

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is important that all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform and airy mixture.

2. Making the cheese cream: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and 120 g of sugar. Use the mixer to beat well until the mixture becomes fluffy and creamy. Add the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

3. Incorporating the cheese: Crumble the sweet cottage cheese with a fork and add it to the butter cream. Add the vanilla and grated lemon zest, mixing until well combined.

4. Adding the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the semolina, cornstarch, and baking powder. Incorporate this mixture into the cheese cream, mixing with a spatula to avoid lumps.

5. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining 50 g of sugar until stiff peaks form. This step is essential to give the pudding an airy texture.

6. Combining the mixtures: With a spatula, gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese cream, using an up-and-down motion to retain the air in the mixture.

7. Assembling the pudding: In the prepared baking dish, pour half of the cheese mixture. Place the drained sour cherries on top, then add the remaining mixture.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pudding for about 30 minutes, or until it is golden and firm. A simple check is to insert a toothpick in the center of the pudding; if it comes out clean, it is ready.

9. Cooling and glazing: After baking, let the pudding cool completely. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice until you achieve a smooth glaze. Pour the glaze over the pudding.

10. Serving: You can serve the pudding plain or with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast. It is a perfect dessert to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or coffee!

Practical Tips
- Sour cherries: If using canned sour cherries, make sure to drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture to the pudding.
- Cheese: Choose a quality cottage cheese, as this will influence the final taste of the dessert.
- Variations: You can replace the sour cherries with cherries, blueberries, or even raspberries for a different take on this recipe.

Nutritional Benefits
Sweet cheese pudding is an excellent source of protein and calcium, thanks to the cottage cheese. The semolina adds complex carbohydrates, providing energy, while the sour cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It is a dessert that can be enjoyed in moderation, considering that a serving contains approximately 230 calories.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can this pudding be frozen? Yes, the pudding can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy the airy texture.
- Can I use other types of cheese? You can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but keep in mind that the texture and final taste will vary.
- How can I improve the presentation? You can decorate with fresh fruits, mint leaves, or a little grated chocolate for a more elegant look.

Personal Story
This sweet cheese pudding recipe reminds me of Sundays spent with my grandmother, when she taught us how to cook. The smell of vanilla and lemon filled the house, and every bite was a true celebration of flavors. I recommend you try it and share your cooking memories with loved ones, turning every meal into a special moment.

I hope this recipe delights you and brings you joy in the kitchen! Enjoy every moment and every bite!