Pennsylvania Dutch Smearcase Delight

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 2 cups (450g) cottage cheese 2 cups (450g) cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 16g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, sugar, and salt. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
5. 5.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough into the dish, trimming any excess.
6. 6.
   Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the prepared pie crust.
7. 7.
   Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
8. 8.
   Allow the Smearcase to cool before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is cold and cubed to achieve a flaky crust.
• Cottage cheese — Use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamy and rich filling.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a sweeter version, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• Experiment with different flavored extracts such as almond or coconut for a unique twist.
• Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Make the pie crust in advance and refrigerate it overnight for easier handling.

Serving advice

Serve the Pennsylvania Dutch Smearcase chilled or at room temperature. Cut it into slices and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, serve the Smearcase on a decorative pie dish or cake stand. Dust the edges of the pie crust with a touch of cinnamon for an extra pop of color.