Six Ways to Give New Life to Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a convenient and versatile source of protein and calcium. If you can’t get past its appearance or bland taste, disguise low-fat cottage cheese in these quick and healthy recipes.

>> Combine in a blender or food processor: 1⁄2 cup cottage cheese, 1⁄2 cup low-fat milk, 1⁄2 cup frozen unsweetened berries, 1 tsp. sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Blend until smooth. Drink immediately.

>> Stir cottage cheese into warm or cold pasta dishes. Add 1⁄2 cup per serving of pasta.

>> Top whole-wheat pita bread with chopped fresh vegetables. Combine 1 cup cottage cheese, 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tsp. dried oregano in a small bowl. Drop cheese mixture evenly over the vegetables. Bake 15-20 minutes.

>> Mix 2 cups cottage cheese with 1 cup thick-and-chunky salsa. Serve with baked chips or fresh vegetables.

>> Scoop out the inside of a baked potato and mix with 1 cup cottage cheese. Return mixture to potato skin; top with low-fat grated cheddar cheese.

>> For protein-packed pancakes, combine 1 cup cottage cheese with 2 Tbsp. milk in a blender or food processor on high for about two minutes or until smooth. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl and combine with 1 egg and 1 cup pancake mix. Pour on hot skillet. Cook evenly on both sides for about three minutes each.