Cottage Cheese Pastry & Mini Jam Purses

This tender cottage cheese pastry is similar to cream cheese pastries but with less fat. It is a very easy dough to work with. The final product is not as flaky as your classic pie dough but it is a nice change. There is no sugar in the pastry which means these little purses rely on the jam for their sweetness. It pairs well with extra-sweet fillings like pecan pie or buttertarts.

The pastry is versatile and could easily be used in savory applications as well. Try mixing in some herbs and cheese and making breadsticks or for your next batch of mini-quiches.



Cottage Cheese Pastry

1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter
1 cup cottage cheese, well drained
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4-1/2 cup jam (optional, for filling)

In a mixing bowl, beat together butter, cottage cheese, flour, and salt until dough is smooth. Chill at least 6 hours.

To make Jam Purses:
On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 2 1/2 inch squares. Place 1/2 teaspoon filling in the center of each square. Moisten edges of each square with a little water. Fold edges together to form a purse shape and place in a well-greased or lined mini-muffin tin. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove immediately to wire rack to cool, running a knife around the tin to loosen any stuck-on jam. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.