Chocolate Covered Cheese Treats: a Russian Delight is a unique and creamy confection that’s sure to surprise your taste buds. With a delightful blend of cheeses and zesty lemon flavors, the treats are coated in rich chocolate, making them irresistible. Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in, they are a sweet little journey to Russia without needing a passport.
When making Chocolate Covered Cheese Treats, feel free to experiment with the types of cheese. If farmer cheese is unavailable, ricotta can work in a pinch, but keep an eye on the moisture content. For those with dairy allergies, soy or nut-based cream cheeses could be alternatives, although the flavor profile might shift a bit. Always opt for high-quality chocolate for that luscious coating, as it makes a world of difference in taste.
Chocolate & Confections
Chocolate Covered Cheese Treats: a Russian Delight Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces farmer cheese (dry curd cottage cheese)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 lemons, zest of
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 12 ounces bittersweet chocolate
- 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine 12 ounces of farmer cheese, 4 ounces of cream cheese, 7 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 large egg yolks. Process until completely smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the zest from 2 lemons, 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon extract, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
- Wrap the cheese mixture in a double thickness of damp cheesecloth and place it in a colander set over a bowl. Fold the ends of the cheesecloth over the top, place a small plate on top, and add a 2-pound weight (like a can) on the plate.
- Refrigerate overnight to allow the mixture to firm up.
- Unwrap the cheese mixture and roll it into 1-1/2-inch balls.
- Place the balls on a plate and freeze them for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- In the meantime, melt 12 ounces of bittersweet chocolate and 3 tablespoons of vegetable shortening in a heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Allow the chocolate to cool to lukewarm.
- Remove the cheese balls from the freezer. Insert a toothpick into the center of one ball and dip it into the chocolate, coating it completely while allowing the excess chocolate to drip back into the pan.
- Place the dipped cheese ball on a wax paper-covered plate and remove the toothpick, dabbing a small amount of chocolate over the toothpick hole to seal it.
- Repeat the dipping process with the remaining cheese balls and refrigerate until the chocolate sets.
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If you’re in the mood for a fruity twist, try the Chocolate Covered Oranges. The delightful morsels feature juicy orange sections dipped in silky chocolate and sprinkled with crunchy peanuts, making them a perfect snack or dessert. Chocolate Covered Oranges truly brings a refreshing zing to your sweet treats.