Kaasprak Cheese Mash Recipes

KAASPRAK (CHEESE MASH)

Steps:

• Slice the onion in half rings approximate 1/8 inch thick (about 3 millimeters), very slowly simmer the onion in the butter until translucent. (Add a splash of water if it goes too fast).
• Cut the cheese in about half inch cubes.
• Make a stock with the stock cube.
• Cook and mash the potatoes and mix with the milk and stock, it should be rather thin (runs of a metal spoon). (Do not use all the stock, that's way too much. Think of it as thick porridge).
• Taste and add salt and pepper to the mash (careful with the salt, the cheese and stock adds salt as well).
• Mix the cheese cubes and the onions (with its buttery goodness) through the mash with a spoon and transfer to an oven proof (glass or pyrex and deep, not a shallow) baking dish. The cheese is not supposed to melt at this stage, maybe a little on the outside.
• Put the dish (without a lid) in an oven (preheated to 180 degrees Celsius) for approximately 45 minutes or until the top becomes golden brown. (If you have a glass baking dish you can see the cheese bubbling away in the bottom so you know it's heated through).
• Serve with a baked egg and a gherkin.

CHEESY MUSTARD MASH

Steps:

• Boil the potatoes in salted water for 20 mins or until tender, then drain.
• Heat the grill to high. Mash the potatoes until smooth, then beat in the crème fraîche and half the cheese. Season to taste, then spoon the hot mash into a medium baking dish and smooth the top.
• Mix together the rest of the cheese, the mustard and thyme leaves. Spread over the mash with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Grill until the cheese is melting and golden, then serve with the beef.

OREGANO LAMB STEAKS WITH LEMON, OLIVE OIL AND FETA CHEESE MASH

Steps:

• Rip the tender little leaves off the oregano sprigs and place into a bowl with the olive oil. Crumble in the feta cheese. Season, to taste, with freshly ground black pepper, then add the chopped spring onions and lemon juice and mix everything together gently, mashing some of the cheese.
• Heat a griddle pan until hot, season the lamb steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and brush each steak with a little olive oil before placing on the hot griddle. Cook for a few minutes one each side, or until lightly crisp - I like mine still pink in the middle.
• Pop the pitta breads into a toaster or under the grill for a minute or two, until they are puffy and hot; carefully cut them into three pieces and place on the serving plate.
• Place the lamb steaks on top of the hot, cut pitta bread and while they are still sizzling, gently spoon over the feta and herb mash. Eat immediately, while all is hot, herbal and piquant! Serve with jacket potatos, fresh mixed salad leaves and a good glass of wine.

KASHA VARNISHKES

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, saute onions and mushrooms in oil in a large skillet until lightly browned, about 9 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside., Combine buckwheat groats and egg in a small bowl; add to the same skillet. Cook and stir over high heat for 2-4 minutes or until buckwheat is browned, separating grains with the back of a spoon. Add the hot broth, salt and pepper., Bring to a boil; add onion mixture. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Drain pasta; add to pan and heat through. Sprinkle with parsley.