made with Gay Lea Nordica Smooth Cottage
Cheese! Flavours include:
Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean and Lemon
~ By Charmaine Broughton
As the mom of two active (and hungry!!) teenage boys, I’m always creating delicious and healthy(ish) snacks that can be served on-the-go, or prepared with little fuss. Gay Lea Nordica Smooth cottage cheese is low in fat and sodium, and is packed with protein. Because of its silky smooth texture (that’s right, no lumps!!) I love using Nordica smooth as an ingredient in many snacks/desserts.
Frozen Vanilla Stuffed Cookie Sandwiches
The easiest (and most delicious) frozen treat ever!
- 12 bakery style (*or, homemade) cookies (*approx. 3-inches in diameter) – flavour of choice *oatmeal raisin is a favourite in our kitchen
- 2 (100 g) containers of Gay Lea Nordica Smooth Vanilla
Garnishes: melted dark chocolate, sprinkles
Place 6 cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Divide cottage cheese evenly between cookies. Gently place remaining 6 cookies on top of cottage cheese. Place in freezer for 15 minutes. Remove from freezer and gently dip one half of cookie in chocolate and then in sprinkles. Place back in freezer for at least 30 minutes. Remove from freezer about 5 minutes before serving. Store in an airtight container (in freezer) for up to one month.
Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Fruit Dip
This fruit dip is perfect for breakfast, or an after dinner indulgence.
- 2 (100 g) containers of Gay Lea Nordica Smooth Lemon
- ¼ cup (60 mL) Gay Lea Premium Gold Sour Cream
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) pure coconut extract
Garnish: toasted coconut flakes
Fresh Fruit Skewers: Pineapple, Strawberries and Cantaloupe
Stir together smooth cottage cheese, sour cream and coconut extract. Place in a serving dish and garnish with toasted coconut. Serve with fresh fruit skewers.
Salted Caramel Blondies
I dare ya’ to have just one!!
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) softened Gay Lea Butter
- 1 1/4 cup (300 mL) lightly packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) all purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
- 1 cup (250 mL) toffee chips + 1/4 cup (60 mL) for garnish
- 1 (100 g) container Gay Lea Nordica Smooth Salted Caramel
Garnish: melted dark chocolate and sprinkles *optional
Pre-heat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Beat butter with sugar, eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients (*except for additional 1/4 cup (60 mL) toffee chips) and beat until evenly combined. Spread batter into prepared pan. Dollop cottage cheese evenly over batter and gently swirl on top of batter. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 cup (60 mL) toffee chips. Place in center of pre-heated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until top is set and blondies just start to come away from sides. Cool completely. Cut into 16 squares. Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkles. Enjoy!
Charmaine Broughton is a food media specialist and recipe developer. Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two active teenage boys, Tyler & Colgan. Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind. www.charmainebroughton.com
