Strawberry Cheese Paskha for Russian Orthodox Easter!

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

Start by making the strawberry ganache. In a small saucepan, add 120 milliliters of heavy cream, 90 grams of sugar, and 2 eggs. Mix together until combined.

Put the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until it thickens and forms a custard.

Once the first bubbles appear, remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the custard to a small bowl. Cover it with saran wrap, ensuring it touches the surface, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

In the meantime, prepare the strawberry ganache by placing 200 grams of strawberries in a small saucepan and pureeing them. If you don't have a hand blender, use a food processor instead.

Bring the strawberry puree to a boil, then remove it from heat. Add 100 grams of white chocolate, 1 tablespoon of strawberry powder, and 1 teaspoon of strawberry extract to the hot puree, whisking to combine until smooth.

Transfer the strawberry ganache to a small bowl, cover with saran wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

After the custard has cooled, add 100 grams of room temperature butter to the farmer cheese (600 grams) and cut it into small pieces.

Add the strawberry ganache and the cooled custard to the farmer cheese mixture.

Using a hand blender, blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth, mousse-like texture.

Prepare a mold for the paskha by using a traditional mold or a colander lined with cheesecloth. If using cheesecloth, boil it in water to remove any dyes, then let it cool and squeeze out excess water.

Place the cheesecloth in the mold, ensuring the folds are in the corners and the imprint areas are clear.

Fill the mold with the cheese mixture, pressing it down to the top, as it will settle when weight is applied.

Fold the cheesecloth over the top, place a small plate on top, and add weight to press it down. Refrigerate overnight.

The next day, remove the weight and plate from the mold. Carefully unwrap the cheesecloth and invert the mold onto a serving plate.

Decorate the top with chocolate-covered strawberries before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens