Kasekuchen (Quark German Cheesecake)
"Quark, a German-style soft spreadable cheese similar to yogurt and sour cream, is one of the cheeses that will be made at Clock Shadow Creamery when it opens later this spring. Quark is made now by Clock Shadow owner Bob Wills' Cedar Grove Cheese Co. but has not been available before in the Milwaukee area. Quark is traditionally used for spreading on rye bread or a bagel. It can be substituted for cream cheese, sour cream or ricotta. It plays well with mashed potatoes, breads, pastries, blintzes, cakes, soufflés, soups, main dishes, desserts, dips, even fresh smoothies. It lasts three weeks in the fridge and can be frozen for longer storage. This traditional German cheesecake, while it's served as a dessert, is not like cheesecakes we're used to. "The sweetness is slight, while savory and soured flavors come through," said Ron Henningfeld, manager and cheesemaker for Clock Shadow. "My grandma and dad were reminded of the cheesecakes they used to make from the milk on our family's dairy farm. They used soured milk." Wedges can be served plain or with a fruit topping...."