Baked Cheese with Lingonberry Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (17.6 oz) Finnish cheese (such as Leipäjuusto or Juustoleipä) 500g (17.6 oz) Finnish cheese (such as Leipäjuusto or Juustoleipä)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Lingonberry Sauce: Lingonberry Sauce:
• 200g (7 oz) fresh lingonberries 200g (7 oz) fresh lingonberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 6g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Cut the Finnish cheese into thick slices.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried oregano.
4. 4.
   Brush the cheese slices with the herb-infused olive oil mixture.
5. 5.
   Place the cheese slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. 7.
   While the cheese is baking, prepare the lingonberry sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the fresh lingonberries, sugar, and water.
8. 8.
   Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the lingonberries have softened and the sauce has thickened slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
9. 9.
   Remove the baked cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
10. 10.
    Serve the baked cheese warm with the lingonberry sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Finnish cheese — Make sure to use a Finnish cheese variety such as Leipäjuusto or Juustoleipä for an authentic taste and texture. These cheeses are specifically designed for baking and have a higher melting point, allowing them to develop a crispy crust while remaining soft inside.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense flavor, marinate the cheese slices in the herb-infused olive oil mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
• If fresh lingonberries are not available, you can use frozen lingonberries for the sauce. Simply thaw them before cooking.
• Serve the baked cheese with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful combination of textures.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the cheese.
• Leftover lingonberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and used as a condiment for other dishes.

Serving advice

Serve the Baked Cheese with Lingonberry Sauce as an appetizer or as part of a cheese platter. It pairs well with a glass of red wine or a refreshing sparkling water.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown cheese slices on a serving platter and drizzle the lingonberry sauce over them. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for an elegant touch.