Cottage Cheese is Cool Again
Whether it’s fashion or food, the adage, “What’s old is new again,” holds true. As far back as the 1800s, people began hearing how, “Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet, eating her curds and whey.” Cottage cheese was popularized with the diet trends of the 1960s and ‘70s and is now being labeled as one of the hot food trends of 2017. If you still associate cottage cheese with diets of the yester years, it’s time to get hip to the cottage cheese revolution.While cheese in all forms continues to be a versatile source of protein and calcium with great taste appeal, cottage cheese is making a resurgence on the culinary scene.
What is Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is curdled milk that has been drained, retaining some of its whey, and yielding either small or large curds. It’s a nutrient-dense choice for those seeking the benefits of dairy with less lactose, providing high-quality protein and calcium and often much-needed vitamin D. Cottage cheese has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory foods, so it can be used in a wide range of recipes from pancakes and smoothies to dips and appetizers. For example, you can combine it with fresh avocado to make Cheesy Guacamole or blend with frozen fruit to make a smoothie.
Super Fast Snacks
Pair cottage cheese with any of the following for a satisfying high-protein snack or grab-and-go breakfast:
Canned peaches and cinnamon
Fruit preserves on a whole grain English muffin
Berries atop a whole grain frozen waffle
Whole grain crackers and pickle slices
Sprinkle with granola and drizzle with honey
Blend in some cottage cheese to give your favorite smoothie a boost of protein
Cottage cheese is a nutritional powerhouse many of us have neglected. What was once thought of us a fad food from the ’70s is bouncing back, thanks to its health benefits and versatility. It’s time to look for new ways to enjoy an old classic.Check out more dairy recipes featuring all types of cheese, milk, and yogurt.
Lisa Raum, RD
