Cheese Kugel

Cheese Kugel.jpg

Makes 9 servings.

This is a traditional Eastern European dessert which I often serve on Shavuot when it is customary to eat dishes made with cheese. It has a touch of sweetness and is very light.

It can be eaten cold, warm or at room temperature. 

INGREDIENTS:

  • ½ pound medium egg noodles (See Note)

  • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 15 ounces unsalted farmer cheese (See Note)

  • 1/3 cup sugar

  • ½ cup milk

  • Grated rind of one orange

  • ½ cup orange juice

  • ½ cup seedless golden raisins

  • ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted

  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature, separated

PREPARATION:

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.

  2. Bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a medium covered pot. Add I tablespoon salt, all the noodles at once and stir. Boil briskly, uncovered for 4 minutes. The noodles should be undercooked. Drain, refresh with cold water and drain well, again.

  3. Grease a 9x9x2 oven proof dish with some of the butter.

  4. In a large bowl mix the remaining butter with the farmer cheese,  sugar, milk, orange zest, orange juice, raisins, almonds and egg yolks.  Add noodles and combine well.  Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into noodle mixture.

  5. Transfer mixture to the prepared dish. Smooth the top and bake for 50 minutes.

NOTE:

Egg noodles are easily available. I use the Manischewitz brand.

I use Friendship unsalted farmer cheese. They come in 7.5 ounce packages.