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Međimurska Gibanica with Apples and Walnuts Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb phyllo dough
- 4 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 apples, peeled and grated
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter, melted

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Pastry brush

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Add the chopped walnuts and grated apples to the cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. Brush the bottom of the baking dish with melted butter.
5. Lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush it with butter. Repeat with 5 more sheets of phyllo dough.
6. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the phyllo dough.
7. Lay another sheet of phyllo dough over the cheese mixture and brush it with butter. Repeat with 5 more sheets of phyllo dough.
8. Spread the remaining cheese mixture over the phyllo dough.
9. Lay another sheet of phyllo dough over the cheese mixture and brush it with butter. Repeat with 5 more sheets of phyllo dough.
10. Brush the top layer of phyllo dough with butter.
11. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
12. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
5. Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 14g
Sodium: 420mg
Sugar: 24g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted for cottage cheese.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream.
- Pecans or almonds can be substituted for walnuts.
- Pear or peach can be substituted for apples.

Variations:
- Add cinnamon to the cheese mixture for a spiced flavor.
- Use different fruits and nuts for different variations.
- Add a layer of jam or preserves between the cheese mixture and phyllo dough.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush each layer of phyllo dough with butter to prevent it from drying out.
- Let the gibanica cool for a few minutes before cutting into it to prevent it from falling apart.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the gibanica in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Cut the gibanica into squares and serve on a platter.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Garnishes:
- Fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced apples.
- Whipped cream or whipped topping.

Pairings:
- Coffee or tea.
- Fresh fruit salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
- Roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the phyllo dough is tearing, try brushing it with more butter to make it more pliable.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store leftovers in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Food history:
- Međimurska gibanica is a traditional Croatian pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and a sweet cheese filling.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, nutty, and creamy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Region: Croatian

Taste: Savory, Sweet, Nutty, Appley