Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup quark or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Serving dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and quark or Greek yogurt.
2. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, parsley, chives, and lemon juice to the mixture.
4. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the Spundekäs mixture to a serving dish.
7. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and chives, if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: N/A
Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 2 cups of Spundekäs.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 80
- Total fat: 7g
- Saturated fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 170mg
- Total carbohydrate: 2g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Quark or Greek yogurt can be substituted with cottage cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted with roasted red peppers.
- Kalamata olives can be substituted with green olives or capers.
- Fresh parsley and chives can be substituted with other fresh herbs such as basil or dill.
Variations:
- Add chopped garlic or minced shallots for extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute the sun-dried tomatoes and olives with other ingredients such as roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or chopped artichoke hearts.
Tips and Tricks:
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using.
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Serve the Spundekäs with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Storage Instructions:
- Store the Spundekäs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- N/A
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the Spundekäs in a decorative bowl or on a platter.
- Garnish with additional chopped herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley and chives
- A drizzle of olive oil
Pairings:
- Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a light beer.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Crudité platter with fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
- A selection of cured meats and cheeses.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the Spundekäs is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the Spundekäs is too thin, add more cream cheese or quark to thicken it up.
Food Safety Advice:
- Keep the Spundekäs refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Do not leave the Spundekäs out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food History:
- Spundekäs is a traditional German cheese spread made with quark or cream cheese, sour cream, and a variety of herbs and spices.
Flavor Profiles:
- Creamy, tangy, and savory with a hint of sweetness from the sun-dried tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack at parties or gatherings.
- Pack in a lunchbox with crackers or sliced vegetables for a tasty and healthy snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
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Region: German