Liptauer? I don't even know her!

...fancy cottage cheese

Hi! If you’re new here, on Tuesdays I devote my newsletter to “I Love Lunch” and include an easy lunch recipe for paid subscribers. To me, lunch recipes are especially simple to make and simple to clean-up. Of course you can make the recipe for any mealtime that you’d like! I always include a number of helpful notes for paid subscribers (i.e. ways to make vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free versions of the recipe and other fun notes/ideas).

The news is a daily horror show.

Before I get to today’s delightful recipe, a few recommendations:

• The 5 Calls app/website is one of the easiest ways to be in touch with our representatives. I like to make these calls while taking Winky for a walk. Somehow being outside in fresh air makes it all seem a little less daunting.

• It’s always a good time to keep money in the queer/trans economy. Here are some great folks/places to buy from:

  • Get a signed copy of Safe and Sound, a truly helpful book!

  • Buy gifts, cards, bumper stickers, t-shirts and more at Everywhere Shop or order online from Ash + Chess

  • Get amazing food from Common Table (if you’re in the Kingston, NY area, you can sign up for FFC or hire Emmet to be your private chef - goes for NYC, too! / if you’re further away, just buy a gift certificate or sponsor meals for the community fridge which simultaneously feeds the community and supports a queer/trans kitchen!!)

  • In the Kingston, NY area and need a baked good? Get a custom order from Quay!

  • Buy art from Roger!

  • Send money to the Trans Justice Funding Project

• It’s always a good time to advocate for disability rights. Here is a a very thorough list of orgs.

Hang out with me this month:

Join me this Sunday for DEMYSTIFYING FRYING:

Or on Friday Feb. 14th for A QUICK + SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER:

Or on Sunday Feb. 16th for JULIA’S CAESAR!:

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At the end of the month, I’m headed west!

• Friday Feb. 21 at 6:30p: I’ll be in conversation with Nina LaCour at Omnivore Books in San Francisco — all info here! The event is free but the store is small so mark you calendar, don’t forget, and come early! It’s going to be so great.

• Sunday Feb. 23 at 6p: I’ll be in conversation with Emma Specter at Now Serving in Los Angeles — all info here! This event requires tickets which can be found right here. I think this will sell out quickly so get your tickets now!!

Okay, onto today’s recipe.

If you’ve been here for a while, you know I love cottage cheese (see here for a favorite cheesy baked egg dish with tons of cottage cheese and here for pizza bagels topped with…you guessed it!…lots of cottage cheese).

Today I present my latest favorite way to enjoy cottage cheese: Liptauer, an old-school Eastern/Central European cheese spread. To make it, you simply blend cottage cheese with a little cream cheese for extra richness and tons of seasonings including lots of paprika, a little caraway, a few capers and some mustard. A spoonful of Worcestershire gives it a ton of umami.

The result is a smooth, spreadable dip that’s excellent spread on crackers, bread, toast, vegetables, and more. Anything can be a vehicle for dip.

I love a dip for lunch because you can make it ahead, it stores well, and it’s a great way to use up little bits of bread and produce. Plus it’s just a nice, leisurely way to eat and makes you feel like you’re having a picnic even if you’re just sitting at your desk.

The full recipe is below for paid subscribers (inc. as a PDF) plus notes if you are:

• Vegetarian? (Worcestershire sauce is not vegetarian!)

• Want it to be spicier?

• Looking for something herby?

• Prefer a hot meal?

Liptauer Dip

Serve with whatever you like: I really like toasted pumpernickel bread and hardboiled eggs to make little open-faced sandwich bites, plus some crunchy vegetables for dipping.

• 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese