Cheese and fruit nests

Cheese and Fruit Nests – a Seasonal Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4 nests

Discover the pleasure of making cheese and fruit nests, a quick and simple dessert, ideal for celebrating the fruity flavors of the season. This recipe combines the slightly crunchy texture of the dough with the creamy filling of cheese and fresh fruits, creating a perfect balance between sweet and tangy.

Ingredients for the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 50 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch of salt

Ingredients for the filling:
- 250 g Quark cheese
- 50 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding (or 40 g vanilla pudding)
- Fresh fruits of your choice (raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or blackberries)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well. Add the diced butter and start kneading with your fingers until you achieve a sandy texture. Add the egg and continue kneading until the dough becomes homogeneous. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

2. Chilling: Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in cling film, and let it rest in the fridge for 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to firm up the butter and ensures a flaky texture.

3. Preparing the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the Quark cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla pudding. Mix well with a whisk or spatula until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous composition. Taste the filling – if you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar.

4. Rolling out the dough: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into four equal portions. Using a rolling pin, roll each portion into a circle about 1 cm thick.

5. Forming the nests: Place each circle of dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use your fingers to create a small nest in the center of each circle, where you will later add the cheese filling.

6. Adding the filling and fruits: Pour the cheese mixture into each formed nest. Add the fresh fruits on top of the filling. You have the freedom to experiment with fruit combinations, and our suggestion is to use raspberries and blueberries for a vibrant touch.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the dough is lightly golden and the filling is well set. Let the nests cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

8. Serving: These delicious nests can be served warm or at room temperature. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. If you want to add a touch of refinement, serve them with a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Practical tips:
- You can replace Quark cheese with ricotta for a creamier version.
- If you don’t have fresh fruits, you can use compotes or jams, but make sure to reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- These nests are also excellent for brunch, alongside a coffee or a fragrant tea.

These cheese and fruit nests represent a versatile dessert, easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. By experimenting with different ingredients, you can achieve a variety of flavors and textures, turning each dish into a delicious masterpiece. Bon appétit!