Creole Cream Cheese Spaetzle Recipes

CREOLE SAUCE

Steps:

• Melt the butter on low heat, preferably in a double boiler, or, paying close attention, stirring regularly in a pot. Stir in the flour, incorporating it into the butter thoroughly until smooth. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly. Cook on low-medium heat, stirring regularly, until it reaches a silky, creamy consistency. Whisk in the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, nutmeg and cloves. Cook for 5 minutes. Whisk in the vinegar, adding slowly. Cook for another 5 minutes, whisking often.

CREOLE CREAM CHEESE

Steps:

• In a large heavy-bottomed saucepot over medium heat with a kitchen thermometer attached to the rim, warm the milk and buttermilk to 85°F. Add one-quarter of the rennet tablet and transfer the mixture to a plastic container or bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and then poke a few holes in the plastic to allow the steam to escape. Let stand at room temperature in a cool spot in your house for 48 hours.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the solids to a double layer of cheesecloth set over a bowl and discard the liquid. Wrap the solids in the cheesecloth and hang it over the bowl (to catch the whey) in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
• Discard the whey. Pack the cheese into an airtight plastic container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

KAESE SPAETZLE

Steps:

• Sift together flour, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Beat eggs in a medium bowl. Alternately mix in milk and the flour mixture until smooth. Let stand for 30 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Press batter through a spaetzle press into the water. You may also use a potato ricer, colander, or a cheese grater. When the spaetzle has floated to the top of the water, remove it to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Mix in 1 cup of the cheese.
• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, and cook until golden. Stir in spaetzle and remaining cheese until well blended. Remove from heat, and serve immediately.

CREOLE SPAGHETTI BAKE

Steps:

• Set oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
• Cook spaghetti until firm-tender (don't overcook); drain, and toss with 2-3 Tbsp oil (this is so the spaghetti won't stick together).
• In a frypan, saute the bacon, onion and green pepper till the bacon is almost crisp, add in the chopped garlic, cook for 2 minutes.
• Add in the tomato sauce, tomato soup (undiluted) mushrooms and cooked ham or chicken (if using), add in salt and pepper to taste, stir to combine.
• Add in the corn to the cooked spaghetti; toss.
• Then add in the tomato sauce mixture; mix well to combine with the spaghetti.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly.

CREOLE CREAM CHEESE

Steps:

• Pour milk into a completely sanitized, 3 to 4 quart container, preferably stainless steel. Cover milk and place it in the warmest spot in your kitchen or on top of a warmed clothes dryer, until it reaches a temperature level between 70 - 80 degrees F. The milk may be heated slowly on the stove on very low heat, but do not allow its temperature exceed 80 degrees F.
• When milk reaches the correct temperature, pour the buttermilk into a small bowl and add the liquid rennet, or if you are using dry rennet, dissolve the 1/4 tablet in the buttermilk. Pour buttermilk into warmed milk with skim milk. Stir mixture well and set it aside, covered with cheesecloth, to allow the liquid to form solid, but very soft, curds. Good drainage is necessary. The container should not be placed near heat or directly exposed to an airflow. The cheese should form curds in 24 to 36 hours. Avoid stirring or the curds will break.
• When the curds are formed, line a large strainer or colander with cheesecloth and carefully pour the curds into the cloth. Place the strainer or colander over a bowl to hold the watery whey as it drains from the curds. When the curds no longer drip water, the cream cheese is ready to be chilled in the refrigerator. Keeps refrigerated for about 2 weeks.

CREOLE CREAM CHEESE SPAETZLE

Steps:

• Place the flour in a bowl and stir in the Creole cream cheese. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, until you have a smooth batter. (If you still have too many lumps, you can strain the batter through a fine sieve.) Stir in the herbs and season with salt and pepper.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Select a colander with fairly large holes (about 1/4 inch). Pour in about a third of the batter and, with a plastic spatula, scrape the batter through the holes into the simmering water. The spaetzle will rise to the surface when they are ready, in about 3 minutes. Let them simmer on the surface for another 30 seconds or so, then use a slotted spoon or strainer to transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
• To reserve the spaetzle until serving, drain them and toss with a little oil, then store them in a covered container (don't pack too tightly) and refrigerate until needed.
• To serve, sauté the spaetzle in a hot nonstick skillet, with a little olive oil or butter, until they are lightly browned and crusty.