Cottage Cheese in Disguise

Yannick wanted to make hamburgers so I suggested having an impromptu get-together with some friends tonight. Phone calls were quickly made and invitations graciously accepted, and while I planned it to be a casual no-fuss affair (hamburger, chips, ice-cream?), I couldn't help fussing just a little.

With company, we usually start the evening with aperitif à la française. For us it's simply some drinks like vermouth or kir with munchies likes chips and nuts, unless I have the time and inspiration to make a special little something in addition. Or when I have a special item waiting to be shared. Or, like today, some experimental creation had been waiting eagerly for unsuspecting guinea-pigs.

A few days ago I had the idea that I should eat cottage cheese. So I went to the store and bought, not 1 or 2 or 3, but 4 tubs! Now, cottage cheese isn't a thing I normally eat. And though I had never tasted it (don't they look kind of gross?), I was sure that whatever I was using it for, I was to completely obscure its appearance and taste. So after much browsing the internet for ideas, I was thrilled to have so many plans for it!

One of which was these cheesy quiche squares. I'd made super tasty quiches with sour-cream or yogurt before, so why not with creamed cottage cheese? Along with the eggs, and throw in a generous amount of grated sharp cheddar and chopped pickled pepper rings, that would make it a flavoursome and super protein dish. In my second ambitious moment (the first was the 4 tubs) I doubled the recipe. Well, they are supposed to be good for you and your friends, what can I say?

They turned out good, and nobody could have guessed the cottage cheese in disguise. Next time though I would add more cheese, and some vegetables like steamed broccoli or sauteed green beans. And no need to make so much. When will I learn?



Doesn't Yannick's hamburger look gorgeous?



I wanted to make something homemade towards the meal but I didn't have a lot of time today (doesn't work get into the way of life sometimes?) So I pulled out this 'Fastest Fudge Cake' recipe from Taunton's Fine Cooking that I had saved to try on an occasion like this. Fastest? Sometimes I can be so unbelieveably gullible. It turned out to be cakey and not fudgy at all, maybe because I used golden yellow sugar instead of light brown sugar.

Cheesy Quiche Square Recipe

Ingredients :
1 cup cottage cheeese
3 extra large eggs
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups grated cheddar
1/2 cup hot pepper rings, chopped

Directions :
1. Preheat to oven to 350.
2. Puree cottage cheese in a mixer (or using a hand mixer).
3. Blend in the eggs and oil.
4. Add the dry ingredients and stir until mixed.
5. Pour into a greased and floured 8*8 inch baking pan.
6. Bake for 40 minutes until set.

Bon appetit!