Ostkaka facts for kids
Ostkaka with strawberry jam, whipped cream and ice cream.
|
|
| Alternative names | Swedish cheesecake, Swedish curd cake |
|---|---|
| Type | Dessert |
| Place of origin | Sweden |
| Region or state | Hälsingland and Småland |
| Serving temperature | Lukewarm |
| Main ingredients | milk, cream, flour, rennet (sugar, eggs, almonds, bitter almond, saffron) |
Ostkaka, which means "cheese cake" in Swedish, is a traditional Swedish dessert. It's also known as Swedish cheesecake or Swedish curd cake. This tasty dish comes from two different parts of Sweden: Hälsingland and Småland.
Even though its name sounds like "cheesecake," Ostkaka is quite different from the cheesecakes you might know. Swedes usually call the other type "American cheesecake" to avoid confusion.
Ostkaka is typically eaten lukewarm. People often enjoy it with sweet jams like cloudberry, strawberry, or lingonberry. It's also common to add cream or sometimes ice cream on the side.
Contents
How Ostkaka is Made
Traditionally, Ostkaka is made by adding rennet to a warm mixture of milk and flour. Rennet is a special ingredient that helps the milk thicken and form curds. These curds are then baked in an oven. Before serving, the Ostkaka is gently warmed up. It's best served warm, not hot, so you can taste all its delicious flavors.
Hälsingeostkaka
This type of Ostkaka is made with just a few basic ingredients. Sometimes a little cream or sugar is added, but it's usually less sweet than the Småland version. The thickened milk curds are pressed into a baking dish. Then, they are baked until they are firm. Some people like to add a touch of saffron for color and flavor. When it's time to eat, the cold Ostkaka is sliced and reheated gently in cream until it's just warm.
Smålandsostkaka
For Smålandsostkaka, ingredients like cream, sugar, eggs, almonds, and bitter almond are mixed into the milk curds. The curds are strained but not pressed, creating a softer mixture. This mixture is then poured into a baking dish.
Traditionally, this kind of Ostkaka was cooked in large copper pots. People often say that the center of the Ostkaka is the creamiest and most delicious part. Because of this, guests are often invited to take their portions from the middle of the dish. The dish is baked until it has a consistency similar to scrambled eggs.
Easier Ways to Make Ostkaka
Making Ostkaka the traditional way, by curdling milk, can be a bit tricky for home cooks. So, simpler recipes have been created. These recipes often use fresh cheese as a base. This helps to create a texture similar to the traditional dessert, making it easier for anyone to bake at home.
A Special Day for Ostkaka
Since 2004, Sweden has celebrated the "Day of Ostkaka" every year on November 14. This special day was started by a group called "Ostkakans vänner," which means "Friends of Ostkaka." They are a non-profit organization that loves and promotes this unique Swedish dessert.
You can find similar curd cake recipes in other countries too, like America and Russia. They are sometimes called "Angel Tears" curd cake.
See also
In Spanish: Ostkaka para niños
