Versatile Fruit and Cottage Cheese Pastry Medley

This Versatile Fruit and Cottage Cheese Pastry Medley is a delightful assortment of pastries made with the same pastry dough base and baked to golden perfection. Using cottage cheese, fruits like strawberries, apples, and canned pineapple, as well as unique toppings like orange jam and cherry compote, these pastries are easy to prepare and perfect for brunches, desserts, or any occasion that calls for a delicious variety of treats. The result is a medley of sweet, flaky pastries with flavors that complement each other beautifully and provide a delightful array of textures and tastes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • Base Pastry Dough: 300 g (10.6 oz) per variation
For Strawberry Cottage Cheese Pastry:
  • 150 g (5.3 oz) cottage cheese
  • 50 g (1.76 oz) powdered sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 200 g (7 oz) strawberries
  • 1 yolk mixed with 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) milk for brushing
For Butter Cottage Cheese Pastry:
  • 150 g (5.3 oz) cottage cheese
  • 20 g (0.7 oz) melted butter
For Orange Jam Pastry:
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) orange jam
For Apple Cinnamon Pastry:
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced
  • 20 g (0.7 oz) sugar
  • 10 g (0.35 oz) cinnamon
  • 20 g (0.7 oz) melted butter
For Apple Pastry:
  • 3 apples, sliced
For Cherry Compote Pastry:
  • 150-250 g (5.3 – 8.8 oz) cherry compote, drained
  • Optional: 20 g (0.7 oz) powdered sugar for sprinkling
For Pineapple Pastry:
  • 150 g (5.3 oz) canned pineapple, drained

Equipment Needed

  • Baking tray, size 30 x 22 cm (12 x 8.66 in)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry brush
  • Knife or pastry cutter

Steps to Make Versatile Fruit and Cottage Cheese Pastry Medley

  1. Prepare the Oven and Tray:
    • Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
    • Line a 30 x 22 cm (12 x 8.66 in) baking tray with parchment paper or grease lightly.
  2. Strawberry Cottage Cheese Pastry:
    • Roll out 300 g of pastry dough and place on the baking tray.
    • In a bowl, mix 150 g cottage cheese, 50 g powdered sugar, and 1 egg until smooth.
    • Spread this mixture over the dough and top with sliced strawberries.
    • Brush the edges of the dough with the yolk and milk mixture for a golden finish.
    • Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
  3. Butter Cottage Cheese Pastry:
    • Roll out another 300 g of pastry dough.
    • Mix 150 g cottage cheese with 20 g melted butter and spread over the dough.
    • Bake for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  4. Orange Jam Pastry:
    • Roll out 300 g of pastry dough and spread 100 g of orange jam evenly over the surface.
    • Bake for 15 minutes until the jam is set and the pastry is golden brown.
  5. Apple Cinnamon Pastry:
    • Roll out 300 g of pastry dough and brush with 20 g melted butter.
    • Layer thin slices of 1 apple over the dough.
    • Mix 20 g sugar with 10 g cinnamon and sprinkle over the apple slices.
    • Bake for 15 minutes until apples are soft and the pastry is golden.
  6. Apple Pastry:
    • Roll out 300 g of pastry dough and arrange slices of 3 apples on top.
    • Bake for 15 minutes, allowing the apples to become tender and the pastry to achieve a light, golden hue.
  7. Cherry Compote Pastry:
    • Roll out 300 g of pastry dough and spread 150-250 g cherry compote evenly over the top.
    • Bake for 15 minutes until the pastry is golden, and optionally sprinkle with powdered sugar after baking.
  8. Pineapple Pastry:
    • Roll out 200 g of pastry dough and top with 150 g drained canned pineapple.
    • Bake for 15 minutes until the pineapple is lightly caramelized and the pastry is golden brown.
  9. Cooling and Serving:
    • Allow each pastry to cool slightly before slicing.
    • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 220-320 kcal (varies by filling)
  • Carbohydrates: 25-35 g
  • Protein: 5-7 g
  • Fat: 10-15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4-6 g
  • Fiber: 1-2 g
  • Sugar: 10-20 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I use store-bought pastry dough? Yes, store-bought dough works well, or you can use homemade puff or shortcrust pastry if preferred.
  2. How long will these pastries last? Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.
  3. Can I substitute fresh fruits with canned fruits? Yes, canned fruits like pineapple or peaches are a great alternative when fresh fruits are unavailable.
  4. Can I make these pastries gluten-free? Use a gluten-free pastry dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  5. What other toppings work well? Feel free to use any of your favorite jams, fruits, or nut fillings to create variety.

Tips for Making the Best Pastry Medley

  1. Chill the Dough: Chilled dough is easier to handle and gives a flakier texture after baking.
  2. Use Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruits add vibrant flavor and better texture compared to canned or frozen fruits.
  3. Brush for Color: Brushing the pastry edges with a yolk and milk mixture gives a golden-brown finish.
  4. Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the powdered sugar or jam according to your preference for sweetness.
  5. Cool Slightly Before Serving: Cooling allows the flavors to settle, making the pastries easier to slice and serve.

Storage Tips

  • In the Refrigerator: Store cooled pastries in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slightly in the oven for best results.
  • In the Freezer: Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

This Versatile Fruit and Cottage Cheese Pastry Medley is a delightful array of treats that are both visually appealing and delicious. With a range of fillings from strawberries and cottage cheese to tangy orange jam and caramelized apples, these pastries offer something for everyone. Perfect for gatherings, breakfasts, or dessert spreads, this medley showcases the simple pleasure of pastries topped with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Enjoy the satisfaction of this beautiful and tasty assortment!