Jazzed up Cottage Cheese
Do you find you’re always rushed for time, getting the kids off to school, doing paperwork, answering the phone, running errands, getting dinner ready, walking the dogs……with barely a minute for yourself let alone time to sit down and have a bite to eat? Well you’re not alone.
In today’s society we are so wired that even when we do have a few minutes alone, the computer is on, our cell phone is ringing, we’re getting text messages on our iPad or iPhone – that many of us find ourselves grabbing whatever we can to eat. Oftentimes that means something unhealthy. I’m a victim of this as well, unless I think ahead to prepare quick healthy foods on those days I’ve got a hectic schedule.
My favorite quick healthy fix is Cottage Cheese. I love the stuff and although it may sound boring to you, a 1-cup serving provides your body with 28 grams of casein protein. These proteins are slow to digest, which means a person can feel fuller for a longer time sustaining you throughout the day. It’s also perfect if you’re trying to lose weight – keeping you full longer means less or no snacking.
Cottage cheese is also high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Found primarily in freshwater fish, they’re known for their positive effects on brain function, while also reducing the risk of heart disease. In addition, cottage cheese is packed with calcium, which helps build and keep our bones strong. It also contains selenium, phosphorus and iron, Vitamin A, B-12 with trace amounts of foliate, B-6, thiamine and niacin – that’s a mouthful! Since cottage cheese is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than hard cheeses like cheddar, and creamier cheeses like brie, it’s a healthier choice for your heart and waistline.
Cottage cheese is fresh cheese made from whole, part-skimmed or skimmed pasteurized cow’s milk. “Sweet curd” cottage cheese the most popular, has a mild flavor due to the fact the curds are washed, removing most of the cheese’s natural acidity. The texture of cottage cheese is usually quite moist and comes in three forms: small-curd, medium-curd and large-curd.
So if you’re like the person I described above or have a hectic day now and then, whip yourself up a batch of my Jazzed up Cottage Cheese. Besides all the great benefits of cottage cheese, adding these fresh, bright colored veggies to the mix, will keep your body happy and healthy inside and out!
Jazzed Up Cottage Cheese
Ingredients:
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients, blend and serve chilled.
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Tools I used to create this dish:
Hi, I’m Vicki Bensinger! I have been teaching culinary classes throughout Missouri since 1992. I offer personalized private culinary classes for individuals and small groups in the comfort of your home or organization.
I learned a new term today, brunoise! My mom’s go-to lunch was cottage cheese topped with fruit. I’d rather have a veggie topping like yours! YUM.
I’ve never made cottage cheese like that. It sounds really good!f My usually is cottage cheese with peaches 🙂
I really like this one. Never thought to add fresh vegetables to cottage cheese. And, just like Liz, I learned a new term today, brunoise.
Delicious and so healthy…definitely my kind of food, Vicki.
Cottage cheese is good stuff! Healthy and tasty, and pretty low calorie. I often have it for lunch — it’s a quick meal, and very filling, as you note. Love how you’ve jazzed it up! Really nice post — thanks.