Cheesecake with cherries

Cheese and sour cherry cake is a dessert that brings together the sweet flavors of cheese and juicy sour cherries in a delightful and comforting way. This recipe, which may seem like the result of a failure, teaches us that sometimes the most delicious dishes come from the least expected moments. It is a simple recipe but with a spectacular result, ideal for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a meeting with friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons semolina
- 1 packet vanilla pudding powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 300 g sour cherries (pitted, from compote or frozen)
- 50 g white chocolate
- 250 ml liquid cream
- Vanilla essence
- Sour cherry and white chocolate jam for decoration

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by separating the eggs. Place the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another. Ensure the bowls are clean, without any trace of fat, to achieve perfect foam.

2. Beating the egg whites:
Use a mixer to beat the egg whites at high speed until they become foamy. Gradually add half of the sugar (about 1/2 cup) and continue mixing until you achieve a firm and glossy foam. This is key to giving the cake an airy texture.

3. Preparing the cheese cream:
In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the remaining sugar (1/2 cup) and mix well until it becomes a smooth cream. Add the cottage cheese, vanilla pudding powder, baking powder, vanilla essence, and finely chopped white chocolate. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

4. Incorporating the egg white foam:
Using a spatula, take a portion of the egg white foam and add it to the cheese cream, gently mixing to avoid losing air from the mixture. Continue adding the rest of the egg white foam and the thawed or drained sour cherries, mixing carefully.

5. Baking the cake:
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the mixture inside. Preheat the oven to low heat and place the tray inside. Bake the cake for 60 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

6. Cooling and portioning:
Once it's ready, let the cake cool slightly. Use a fork to crumble the cake to the desired consistency, then place the mixture into individual molds. Press well to achieve a compact texture.

7. Decoration:
Turn each portion onto plates and decorate with whipped cream, sour cherry jam, and strips of white chocolate. You can also add whole sour cherries for a more appealing look.

Practical tips:
- Cottage cheese: Choose fresh and well-drained cottage cheese to avoid excess moisture. You can also use ricotta cheese for a finer texture.
- Sour cherries: If using frozen sour cherries, there is no need to thaw them completely. Place them directly in the batter, and their moisture will help keep the cake soft.
- Fruit variation: This recipe is versatile! You can replace sour cherries with cherries, peaches, or even blueberries, depending on the season and preferences.
- Refrigerator: The cake keeps well in the fridge, so you can prepare it a day in advance and serve it the next day when the flavors have intensified.

Nutritional benefits:
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while sour cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. This cake can be a healthier dessert, especially if you use moderate sugar and natural cream.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use soy cheese?: Yes, for a vegan version, you can replace cottage cheese with soy cheese or soft tofu.
- How can I make the cake gluten-free?: Replace the semolina with a gluten-free flour, such as almond flour or rice flour.

Serving suggestions:
The cheese and sour cherry cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic tea. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet-sour contrast that will delight the taste buds.

Enjoy this delicious cake, which proves that you don’t have to be perfect to create something truly special! Enjoy your meal!