While perusing the aisles of the grocery store, I'm often inspired to buy a giant tub of cottage cheese, thinking I'll start eating healthier. Unfortunately, the tub sometimes gets pushed to the back of the fridge, and the need to eat healthy is forgotten. It seems I usually discover the tub shortly before the expiration date, and instigate a search to find recipes that will use up my stash before it spoils.

Kugel is a baked pudding, sometimes sweet and sometimes savory, usually made of noodles or potatoes, but sometimes made of other vegetables. It is generally very moist with eggs, and ingredients such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. It is a traditional Jewish dish, and the following Sweet Noodle Kugel is creamy and delicious. This kugel is the perfect dish to use up that cottage cheese, and, although it makes a nice not-too-sweet dessert, it's great for a brunch dish too.

12 Servings

1 8 oz. package wide egg noodles
Boiling salted water

6 tablespoons soft butter

6 eggs, separated
1 8 oz. package softened cream cheese
1/3 cup sour cream
2 1/4 cups small curd cottage cheese
3/4 cup sugar
1 pinch salt

Topping
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Spray a shallow 9" x 13" glass baking dish with non-stick spray.
3. Cook the noodles in the boiling salted water until just barely tender - al dente.
4. Drain well, transfer to a large bowl, and toss with the six tablespoons softened butter.
5. Meanwhile place the egg yolks, cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor; process for a minute or two, scrape down the sides, and process until smooth (or use the mixer).
6. Mix with the noodle mixture.
7. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into the noodle mixture.
8. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9. Toss the topping ingredients together and sprinkle evenly over the top of the kugel.
10. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the center is set.
11. Remove from the oven. The kugel can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 397 Calories from Fat 207
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 52% Protein 13% Carb. 35%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 23 g
Saturated Fat 13 g
Cholesterol 179 mg
Sodium 571 mg
Total Carbohydrate 35 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 17 g
Protein 13 g

Vitamin A 18% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 9%