The Comeback of Cottage Cheese: From a humble grapefruit pairing to a Tik Tok sensation
If you are an eighties baby like me or older, maybe you remember when cottage cheese was a commonly found item in the fridge. My mom used to pair it with grapefruit for breakfast because it was a Weight Watchers approved breakfast option. Sometimes she would opt for pineapple. (I developed a taste for this combo and ate it all the time until last year when I found out I am allergic to pineapple). Four decades later, cottage cheese has returned and she’s the belle of the ball. In this blog post, I’ll explore what cottage cheese is, the history of it, benefits and more!
A Brief History of Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is essentially curds (which form when an acid curdles milk) and cream. Like ricotta, mozzarella, feta, and goat cheese, cottage cheese is a fresh cheese, meaning it isn’t aged like Parmesan and Cheddar. Cottage cheese dates back to the late 1800s, and it was a staple food in many households. Its popularity faded in the early 90s when low-fat diets took over, and people began to crave more processed and convenient foods. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards healthier, more wholesome eating habits, which has led to cottage cheese’s gradual return to the spotlight.
Cottage Cheese is a Protein Powerhouse
One of the main reasons for the popularity of cottage cheese is its high protein content. Unlike other dairy products, cottage cheese packs a punch and contains 25 grams of protein per cup. This ingredient is perfect for people looking to gain muscle and maintain a healthy diet. In addition, pairing cottage cheese with low glycemic fruits like blueberries and strawberries, and nuts and seeds like almonds and chia creates a nutrient-filled and satisfying snack.
Versatility in Preparations
Another reason cottage cheese is popping up on social media feeds is its versatility. It can be consumed alone or paired with other food items. Cottage cheese can be blended into smoothies and is an excellent base for dips, dressings, and can elevate an ordinary salad. It can be added to egg dishes too. Cottage cheese can be incorporated in salads as a protein booster or as a filling for wraps and sandwiches. This ingredient is also a perfect replacement for ricotta cheese in pasta dishes like lasagna.
Tik Tok Sensation
Over the past few months, cottage cheese has become a viral sensation on Tik Tok, with new recipes and creative ways to use the food popping up every day. From blended cottage cheese smoothie bowls to cottage cheese toast and even cottage cheese cookie dough, the social media platform has introduced a new generation to the once-forgotten food. It has become a popular food trend among young adults and has even earned the nickname ‘cottage core’ due to its rustic and wholesome appeal.
Why Cottage Cheese is the New Cauliflower
Many food trends come and go, but cottage cheese’s resurgence seems to be here to stay. Just as cauliflower gained popularity as a low-carb substitute for everything from rice to pizza crust, cottage cheese is gaining recognition as a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. It is a protein-packed, nutrient-dense food that can be enjoyed at any time of day and like cauliflower, it can take on many shapes and forms and flavor profiles, making it the perfect ingredient to include in your diet.
In conclusion, cottage cheese may be an old-fashioned food, but it is making a triumphant comeback in 2023. Its versatility, nutrition benefits, and ease of use make it an excellent food option for anyone looking to add more protein and nutrients to their diet. Whether you’re looking to snack on it straight from the container or incorporate it into your favorite meals, cottage cheese is a healthy and delicious addition to any diet. I’ve always been one for the classics and I like to consider myself an early adopter to trends and cottage cheese has always been on my grocery list for my fave pancakes and lasagna. But I never considered making things like cookie dough with it before Tik Tok’s influence. So, go ahead and try out some new recipes and give it a chance to win you over and before you know it, you’ll be saying “Move over cauliflower, cottage cheese is here to stay!”
TIK TOK inspired Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough
1 cup of cottage cheese (I use Good Culture)
2 tbsp Kinsip Barrel Aged Whiskey Maple Syrup.
KINSIP WHISKY BARREL AGED MAPLE SYRUP 12.68oz / 375ml
4 droppers of Rainbo Chaga Functional Mushroom Tincture
RAINBO CHAGA ANTIOXIDANT SUPER-MUSHROOM 3.4oz / 100ml
1 tbsp good quality Pure Vanilla Extract
1 scoop Australian Natural Protein Company organic cocoa grass fed whey protein
Blend well in a blender for about 30-60 seconds or until the lumps are out. Mix in the following:
2/3 cup of almond or coconut flour
1/2 cup of chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life)
For best results, refrigerate overnight to really let the flavor develop. Serve cold and eat from the spoon. It tastes sinfully delicious!
Stacey’s Healthy High Protein Pancakes
I love pancakes and these ones are healthy enough to eat any day as a high protein breakfast or snack.
1 cup cottage cheese (Good Culture is preferred)
1 cup egg whites
1 cup oatmeal
1 tbsp chia seeds
Blend the oatmeal and chia seeds in a blender until it’s a flour-like consistency. Add the cottage cheese and egg whites and blend into a creamy batter until the lumps are out, about 30-60 seconds. Let stand for 5 mins to thicken the batter.
Get your pan hot, add about a tablespoon or your favorite oil or better yet, grass fed butter and pour out a bunch of little pancakes or one big one. Flip when the edges are golden and bubbles start to form. Add more oil or grass fed butter if needed.
Top with Kinsip syrup preferably, nut butter and/or your favorite fruits. These freeze really well. I double the batch and freeze them in twos for single servings on weekdays or as a quick snack in the air fryer.
