Puff pastry stuffed with a savory filling of farmer cheese sweet bite of scallions and a dill herb mixture.

Delicious as individual little twists, one large twist or even better as little broomsticks for your next witchy get together, wizard’s book club, cottagecore tea party or just because.

I could sing the praises of farmer cheese for days, not just because it’s a familiar ingredient, or because I grew up eating it as a kid, but because it is genuinely a great staple to have in the fridge. We’ve had Lifeway products in the fridge since as far back as I can remember and I’m excited to partner up with them for this recipe!

What is farmer cheese?

Farmer cheese is a small curd fresh cheese, also known as syr, twarog or tvorog.

It is similar to ricotta but has a lower water content, an active 12 live and active probiotics, 13 grams of protein and is naturally lactose free!

The lower water content is great for adding into fillings or spreading over toast. It doesn’t need to be drained prior to using in recipes, which is a great time saver as well!

How is it naturally lactose free?

Farmer cheese is cultured. The lactose in fresh milk is broken down when beneficial bacteria and acidity is added, making it easier to digest for anyone lactose sensitive or intolerant. Lifeway farmer cheese is 99% lactose free.

The flavor is slightly tart and creamy in the sweet way quality diary products taste.

Farmer Cheese Pairings:

Farmer cheese works with sweet and savory. It is delicious alone with a pinch of salt, but here are some ideas:

Sweet:

Apricots

Honey

Seasonal Berries

Date syrup

Jam

Savory:
Garlic

Pepper

Herbs ( fresh and dried)

Olive Oil

Farmer cheese can be used as is, warmed up, used in a frozen dessert or used in baking.

Puff Pastry: Store Bought or Homemade?

Puff pastry is one of the more labor intensive doughs to make at home. There are variations for a “quick” puff pastry at home but they require some hands on time and take anywhere from 1 hour to a full day to be ready for use.

The amount of butter needed for a single recipe may sway some away from making it.

Store bought puff pastry is always available, reliable, defrosts quickly, and most brands are lactose intolerant friendly and fully vegan.

If you want to make your own, this filling is easy enough that you can splurge with homemade puff pastry.

Using Puff Pastry

Puff pastry should be kept in the freezer, or thawed in the refrigerator and ready for immediate use.

The joy of puff pastry comes in the flaky layers that can only happen when the puff pastry can be shaped but still cold. Room temperature puff pastry should be avoided. The layered of whole butter give the pastry a lift and create the crisp

Store bought puff pastry is also much more forgiving in terms of handling.

Lets get to cooking!

More like assembling and hiding in the oven until golden brown and delicious.

Farmer Cheese Scallion Dill Twists

Ingredients:

1 package puff pastry

package may be 10oz up to 17oz, exact weight bears no difference in this recipe.

8oz Lifeway Farmer Cheese ( or half a container)

4 scallions, cleaned and roughly chopped

6 sprigs of parsley, stems and leaves, chopped finely

8 sprigs of dill, fronds and stems, chopped finely

1/4 cup grated Old Amsterdam Cheese (sub Manchego or Parmesan)

1/4 tsp salt

A few grinds fresh mixed peppercorn

1 egg beaten

Method:

On to a lightly floured surface roll out puff pastry