Ingredients

Cheese Mixture

360 grams cottage cheese (12.7 ounces)
200 grams ricotta cheese (7 ounces)
1 large egg
1-2 ripe bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
We recommend:
For cottage cheese:
LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 4 ounce bottle
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(70) LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 4 ounce bottle $18.75 View details Prime LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 1 ounce bottle
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(535) LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 1 ounce bottle $9.47 View details Moon Cheese - 100% Natural Cheese Snack - Gouda - 2 oz
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(2,760) Moon Cheese - 100% Natural Cheese Snack - Gouda - 2 oz $3.99 View details
For ricotta cheese:
Amazon Brand, Happy Belly Grated Parmesan Cheese Shaker, 8 Oz
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(2,034) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Grated Parmesan Cheese Shaker, 16 ounce (Pack of 1) $5.25 View details
For vanilla extract:
Prime 50 Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Whole Grade A Vanilla Pods for Vanilla Extract and Baking
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(14,059) Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle $19.95 View details

Dry Ingredients

4 tablespoons rice flour (30 grams)
Extra rice flour for shaping
We recommend:
For rice flour:
Prime Anthony's Brown Rice Flour, 5 lb, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Product of USA, Vegan
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(4,758) Anthony's Brown Rice Flour, 5 lb, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Product of USA, Vegan $21.49 View details Prime Earthborn Elements Brown Rice Flour 2 Gallon Bucket, Baking, Gluten Free
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Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and ricotta cheese. Use a fork or whisk to break down any lumps.

Next, crack in the egg and add the mashed bananas along with the vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2

Add the Rice Flour

Gradually add in the rice flour to the cheese mixture. Stir gently until the mixture comes together. It should be smooth but slightly thick.

Allow the mixture to rest for about 5-7 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the batter thicken slightly.

Step 3

Shape the Hearts

Once the mixture has rested, take slightly more than 1 tablespoon of the cottage cheese mixture and form it into a circle using a spatula.

Make a cut in the center, then gently shape it into a heart with your hands. Enjoy this fun and creative process!

Step 4

Cook the Hearts

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cover it with a lid. Place the heart shapes into the skillet and cook each side for about 2 minutes until they are golden brown.

Ensure they are cooked thoroughly before serving, and adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning.

Step 5

Serve Your Delicious Hearts

Once cooked, serve the Valentine hearts warm. They pair perfectly with sour cream, grated chocolate, and caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness!

Enjoy every delicious bite of these festive treats on a special day!

Servings

For a wonderful presentation, serve these heart-shaped delights on a lovely plate, garnished with a dollop of **sour cream** 🍦 and a sprinkle of **grated chocolate** 🍫. Drizzle some **caramel sauce** 🍯 over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also pair these treats with fresh fruits like strawberries 🍓 or banana slices 🍌 to add a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and watch as they become the star of your breakfast or dessert table!

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

A good-sized mixing bowl is essential for blending the cottage cheese, ricotta, and other ingredients smoothly. Choose a bowl that allows for easy movement while mixing.

We recommend:
Prime YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage
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Frying Pan

A non-stick frying pan is your best friend for this recipe, ensuring even cooking and preventing the pastries from sticking. Opt for a lid to retain heat and steam for the perfect texture.

We recommend:
Prime HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 7-Inch Fry Pan, Stay-Cool Handle, Dishwasher and Oven Safe, Induction Ready, Compatible with All Cooktops
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Spatula

A flexible spatula will help you flip and serve the pastries effortlessly. Consider using a silicone spatula for gentle handling!

We recommend:
Prime HOTEC Food Grade Silicone Rubber Spatula Set for Baking, Cooking, and Mixing High Heat Resistant Non Stick Dishwasher Safe BPA-Free Multicolor Set of 5
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Measuring Cups and Spoons

Precision is key! Make sure you have a set of measuring cups and spoons to measure out your ingredients accurately.

We recommend:
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Variations

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options: 🌱 If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, simply use a rice flour blend or a certified gluten-free flour in place of regular flour. For those on a vegan diet, replace the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for a few minutes until thickened) and use almond or coconut yogurt instead of sour cream for serving. It's just as delicious and keeps your dietary needs in mind while still being a treat to share with loved ones!

Faq

  • What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

    You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a vegan alternative like tofu blended until creamy.

  • Do I need to preheat the frying pan?

    Yes, preheating the frying pan helps achieve a nice golden color on your pastries. Keep the heat on medium for even cooking.

  • Can these be made ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook them fresh when you're ready to serve.

  • How do I know when the pastries are thoroughly cooked?

    The pastries should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through. You can press gently in the center; it should spring back!

  • Can I freeze these pastries?

    Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they're completely cool before sealing them in an airtight container. Defrost and reheat as needed.

  • What other toppings can I use?

    Feel free to experiment! Try adding fresh berries, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a unique twist.

Nutrition facts

Delicious Cottage Cheese Valentine Hearts Recipe
Recipe Yield:4 servings
Calories:Estimated calorie range for the recipe per serving.
Calories (Min - Max):220 - 320
Total Fat:9g
Saturated Fat:5g
Protein:12g
Total Carbohydrate:30g
Total Sugars:5g