Verenika With Ham Gravy Recipes

VERENIKA

Steps:

• In a blender, combine cottage cheese, 2 eggs and ground black pepper to taste. Cover and blend until smooth, or beat with an electric mixer until smooth; Set aside.
• In a large bowl, stir together flour, milk powder, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a small bowl, beat together 2 eggs, water and oil; combine with flour mixture.
• On a floured surface, knead dough about 10 times or until smooth. Divide dough in half and roll out each portion to a 1/8 inch thickness. Using a 4 inch round cutter, cut out rounds of dough.
• Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Moisten the edge and fold over to form a half moon shape; pinch to seal.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add half of the dumplings and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender; remove with a slotted spoon and drain. Repeat with remaining dumplings.
• While the dumplings are cooking, prepare the gravy. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Stir in ham, and cook until ham is light brown. Add 3 tablespoons flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir. Pour in milk all at once, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thick and bubbly. Serve over the dumplings.

VERENIKA (OR VERENKI) CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Boil frozen egg noodles as per package directions, drain and place in bottom of greased casserole dish - I use 9 x 11 inch pan.
• Mix drained cottage cheese with the two eggs, salt and pepper.
• Layer over the noodles.
• Add spooonfuls of sour cream over the top of the casserole.
• Saute chopped onions and ham until onions are tender.
• Stir in to the cream gravy and pour on top of the casserole.
• Bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes.

DUTCH KITCHEN HAM GRAVY FOR VERENIKA, SPAETZLE, EGG NOODLES, ETC

Steps:

• Place the ham in the bottom of a large pot over medium heat for a few minutes to get the flavor and juices out.
• Pour in the buttermilk, evaporated milk, sour cream, and ham base.
• Heat through, but do not bring to a boil.
• Mix the cornstarch (I start with a tablespoon or two) with cold water and stir into the gravy. Keep stirring for a minute or two to keep it from settling at the bottom. Repeat this until it is the consistency you want.