Ingredients
- Cottage Cheese: The creamy base of our dish. Opt for full-fat or low-fat depending on your preference. Full-fat will offer a richer flavor and texture, while low-fat is a lighter option.
- Ripe Peaches: Choose peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. Ripe peaches are sweeter and juicier, making them perfect for this recipe. Freestone peaches are easier to slice.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional): A touch of natural sweetness to enhance the flavors. Use sparingly to complement the peaches and cottage cheese without overpowering them.
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg (Optional): A pinch of warm spice to add a hint of complexity. These spices beautifully complement both peaches and cottage cheese.
- Fresh Mint Leaves (Optional): For a refreshing garnish and a touch of visual appeal. Mint adds a cool, aromatic element to the dish.
- Toasted Nuts or Granola (Optional): For added texture and crunch. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, or your favorite granola can elevate the dish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Peaches: Begin by gently washing your ripe peaches under cool water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Slice the Peaches: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the peaches. You can slice them into wedges, segments, or even dice them, depending on your preference. If using freestone peaches, slice around the pit and then twist to separate the halves. Remove the pit and slice each half further. For clingstone peaches, you may need to cut the peach away from the pit. Aim for slices that are about ¼ to ½ inch thick for a good balance of texture and flavor.
- Portion the Cottage Cheese: Spoon the cottage cheese into a bowl or serving dish. The amount will depend on your desired serving size. For a single serving, about ½ to 1 cup of cottage cheese is usually sufficient.
- Arrange the Peach Slices: Place the sliced peaches artfully on top of or around the cottage cheese. You can create a visually appealing arrangement by layering the peach slices or simply scattering them over the cottage cheese.
- Drizzle with Sweetness (Optional): If desired, lightly drizzle honey or maple syrup over the peaches and cottage cheese. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. Remember, the peaches are already naturally sweet, so you may not need much additional sweetener.
- Sprinkle with Spice (Optional): If you’re using cinnamon or nutmeg, sprinkle a very small pinch over the dish. A little goes a long way with spices, so be mindful not to overpower the delicate flavors.
- Garnish (Optional): If using fresh mint, gently tear a few leaves and sprinkle them over the top for a fresh aroma and visual appeal. If using nuts or granola, sprinkle a spoonful over the dish for added texture and crunch just before serving.
- Serve Immediately or Chill: This dish is delicious served immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled. If you prefer it chilled, refrigerate for 15-30 minutes before serving. Chilling can enhance the refreshing quality, especially on a warm day. Avoid chilling for too long as the peaches might become slightly watery.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25g