Grandma Norma'S Flaky Pastry
Cottage cheese-filled pastries with flaky, buttery layers, baked to golden perfection. A delightful treat suited for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, offering a rich and creamy flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cottage cheese, flour, shortening, salt, and sugar. Chill the mixture overnight or for several hours.
- Roll out the chilled dough and cut into triangles or small crescent shapes.
- Bake the pastries at 425°F for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool, then frost if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the cottage cheese is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the dough. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of butter or margarine. If you prefer a sweeter pastry, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar or experimenting with flavored extracts like vanilla or almond. Chill the dough longer if it's too soft to roll out easily.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these flaky pastries warm as a delightful snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with a side of Cheese Onion Spread for a savory twist. Consider drizzling them with icing or serving with fresh fruit for a sweet touch. For a complete meal, enjoy them alongside Baked Ham Puffs or a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze them individually in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Norma'S Flaky Pastry contains roughly 1393 calories, with 9g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1758mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. The pastries might not be as rich and flaky, but they will still taste good. Just ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make these pastries ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Shape the pastries and bake them fresh when you're ready to serve. Alternatively, you can bake them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven to maintain their flakiness.
What can I use to frost the pastries?
A simple powdered sugar glaze works well for frosting. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract until you reach your desired consistency. You could also use cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor, or serve them plain for a classic touch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).