Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Berry Swirl (Print Version)

Velvety cottage cheese ice cream, swirled with sweet-tart berries for a modern, protein-rich treat.

# Ingredients:

→ Ice Cream Base

01 - 450 g full-fat cottage cheese
02 - 120 ml heavy cream
03 - 80 ml maple syrup or honey
04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - Pinch of salt

→ Berry Swirl

06 - 150 g mixed berries (fresh or frozen, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
07 - 25 g granulated sugar
08 - 15 ml lemon juice

# Steps:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine mixed berries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - Place cottage cheese, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
03 - Pour half of the cottage cheese mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Drizzle half of the berry swirl over the base. Repeat with remaining ice cream base and berry swirl. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the berry sauce through the mixture to create a marbled appearance.
04 - Cover the container tightly and freeze for at least 6 hours or until the ice cream is firm.
05 - Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften before scooping. Serve in bowls or cones.

# Notes:

01 - Blend cottage cheese thoroughly for a smoother texture.
02 - Maple syrup can be substituted with agave or honey to taste.
03 - Adding finely grated lemon zest to the berry swirl gives extra brightness.
04 - Chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling rosé pairs well as an accompaniment.
05 - For a vegan variation, use plant-based cottage cheese, coconut cream, and agave syrup.