Cottage Cheese Braid with Apples
Description
When kneading the dough, it is important not to use too much flour. Because cottage cheese varies in how wet it is, you may need more or less flour. Go by the dough’s consistency. It should turn out soft and pliable, sticking only slightly to your hands. By feel, it should seem a little moist. So the braid does not become soggy in the oven, pour off any juice released from the apples. Keep these points in mind and your bake will reward you with both taste and appearance. Serve cooled or slightly warm.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare the necessary ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
Make the apple filling. Peel the apples and remove the core. Cut into small, thin pieces. Transfer to a bowl, add sugar and cinnamon. Mix and set aside while you prepare the dough.
- 3
Step 3
Make the dough. In a bowl, combine the egg, cottage cheese, and a pinch of salt. Mash together with a fork.
- 4
Step 4
Add softened butter and sugar. Mix. Add the flour and baking powder.
- 5
Step 5
Start kneading the dough with a fork. As soon as it begins to form clumps, knead with your hands. If the dough is very sticky, dust your palms with flour and continue kneading. It is important not to add too much flour, or the dough will turn out dense.
- 6
Step 6
As soon as the dough is mixed, transfer it to the work surface and roll it out into a rectangular sheet 0.3–0.4 cm thick.
- 7
Step 7
In the centre of the sheet, leaving 10 cm from the edges all around, spread the apple filling. Pour off any juice that collects.
- 8
Step 8
Cut the loose edges of the dough into strips.
- 9
Step 9
Braid a “braid,” gently pulling the strips. The dough is soft, with little elasticity, so braid carefully so the braid comes out without tears.
- 10
Step 10
Brush the finished braid with egg. Bake in an oven preheated to 190° for 30–35 minutes. Adjust for how your oven behaves.
- 11
Step 11
When the time is up, take the braid out of the oven. Transfer it to a board and cool completely. Then serve.
- 12
Step 12
Done. Serve at the table.