Imperial cottage cheese tartlet
Description
The pastry is simple and quick to prepare. The Tsar's or, as it's also called, Royal Vatrushka, is surprisingly easy to make. The result, however, is exceptionally impressive. The ridiculously easy recipe doesn't spark much excitement at first. Yet, the outcome exceeds all expectations! This vatrushka, of course, isn't really a vatrushka at all—it's more like a cake. It can be served with tea or coffee.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Take a pack of butter or margarine. Let it sit at room temperature so it can be easily cut into pieces. Rub the butter together with the flour, a cup of sugar, baking soda, and vanilla extract by hand until a crumbly mixture forms.
- 2
Step 2
Take out the cottage cheese. You can use a little more or less of it, depending on availability and your preferences. Mix the eggs with the cottage cheese and a cup of sugar. Add a packet of vanilla sugar. Optionally, you can add lemon zest, raisins, candied fruits, or pieces of dried fruits. Mix everything until smooth.
- 3
Step 3
Now take a baking pan. Grease it with oil or line it with parchment paper. Take a handful of flour in your hands and crumble it evenly over the surface. About two-thirds of the dough should go on the bottom. Pour the cottage cheese mixture on top, spreading it evenly with a spoon. Sprinkle the remaining dough over everything. The crumbs can be larger or smaller. Larger ones usually brown better but turn out crispier.
- 4
Step 4
Place the cake in the oven and bake at 180 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until the top and edges are golden brown. When ready, remove from the oven, cut into pieces, and serve with tea or coffee. The taste, as always, is exquisite!