Thursday, May 24, 2007

Little Bo Peep's favourite snack


Cottage cheese is made by adding lactic acid to milk, creating a precipitate of casein proteins. The whey (The watery part of milk) is drained off, and the curds (the lumpy bits) are repeatedly washed to remove the lactose.

Cottage cheese is high in protein, vitamins B12 & B6, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, folate (a water soluble B vitamin) and riboflavin (another B vitamin).

A 100g serving of skimmed milk cottage cheese contains less than 90 calories, provides nearly 15 grammes of protein, 4 grammes of carbs and less than 2 grammes of fat. And because casein releases its amino acids slowly, you'll feel 'full' for longer.

One of President Richard Nixon's favourite breakfasts was cottage cheese smothered with ketchup and/or black pepper, but if, like me, that's triggering your gag reflex, it also goes very well with blueberries, apple pieces or raisins.

It also makes an excellent protein component in a main meal (serving suggestion: salad potatoes, tinned tomatoes and sweetcorn).
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