Kaasteefjes Recipes

KAASSTENGELS (DUTCH CHEESE STEMS)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Take the puff pastry out of the freezer and allow to thaw for 10 minutes.
• Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• Brush the pastry with beaten egg.
• Scatter the grated cheese over the pastry and season with salt and pepper.
• Cut into strips of approximately 1/2"-3/4" by about 6". Now twist the ends of the pastry strips in opposite directions to create a spiral effect.
• Place on the cookie sheet, leaving 1/4" between them
• Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
• Variation ideas:.
• Add your favorite herbs, such as freshly chopped thyme or rosemary.
• Try adding dried chili-, onion- or garlic flakes for some more punch.
• Add texture and flavor with sesame-, poppy-, caraway or cumin seeds.
• Made a sweet treat, with sugar & cinnamon or chocolate sprinkles (leaving out the cheese and salt & pepper).

WENTELTEEFJES (FRENCH TOAST THE DUTCH WAY)

Steps:

• In a bowl, whisk the milk with the lightly beaten eggs, a pinch of salt, the icing sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
• Remove the crusts from the bread, and lay the slices in a shallow dish.
• Pour the milk mixture over the bread and let stand for 30 minutes.
• Melt the butter in a skillet and fry the bread slices on both sides until golden, being careful they don't break.
• Serve immediately, sprinkled with extra icing sugar and cinnamon.

QATAYEF

Steps:

• For the qatayef batter: Put the flour, powdered milk, sugar, instant yeast and baking powder in a large bowl and whisk until combined. Slowly add 1 3/4 cups warm water (about 110 degrees F) to the dry ingredients, mixing as you go. Whisk very well and make sure there are no lumps. The batter will be pourable and not too thick. If the batter is thick, add 1 to 2 more tablespoons of warm water and mix again. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter sit at room temperature until it has bubbles on the surface and smells yeasty, about 30 minutes.
• For the syrup: Meanwhile, put the sugar, rosewater and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to medium low and simmer for 10 minutes, undisturbed. The consistency will be like pancake syrup. Set aside so the syrup comes to room temperature.
• Heat a large nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat. Whisk the batter very well. Measure about 2 tablespoons of the batter per pancake and pour into the pan. Cook the pancakes on one side only, without flipping, until the tops are dry with many bubbles and the bottoms are golden brown, about 1 minute. Transfer the pancakes pale-side up to a baking sheet or large platter in a single layer, making sure not to stack them. Cover the pancakes with a clean kitchen towel. Continue with the remaining batter. Let the pancakes cool completely before filling, keeping them covered to avoid drying out.
• For the fillings: To make the walnut filling, mix the walnuts with the sugar, cinnamon and coconut, if using.
• To fill the pancakes, hold one pancake pale-side up and add about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the walnut or cheese filling (or enough for the pancake to fold and seal easily). Fold the pancake and pinch the edges very well to seal completely. Place the stuffed pancake on a baking sheet and cover with a kitchen towel. Repeat with the remaining pancakes and walnut and cheese fillings.
• For the frying and topping: Add enough oil to a medium cast-iron pan to come about 2 inches up the sides. Heat over medium heat until the oil registers 350 degrees F. Add a few of the qatayef and fry until golden, about 2 minutes on each side (see Cook's Note). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil. While they're still hot, add them to the pan with the syrup and toss them around to coat completely. Transfer to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil (for easy cleanup) to drain. Repeat with the remaining qatayef and syrup.
• Arrange the qatayef on a platter and top with ground pistachios and crushed rose petals.