The 2-Ingredient Pennsylvania Snack That You Ought To Try

You probably have a pretty mouthwatering list of local dishes to try when you're in Pennsylvania — a state where Italian hoagies, Polish pierogies, and fry-topped salads hold their own against the state's foodie monoliths like soft pretzels and Philly cheesesteak. An incredible variety of dishes (many of which originated in Europe) have become a deeply embedded part of the Keystone State's food culture, and nowhere is this state of affairs more recognizable than in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. While dishes like whoopie pies and seafood bisque may get much of the limelight, many argue that true P.A. Dutch dishes are more nuanced, comforting, and simple. Somewhat contrary to the name, this cuisine hails from what is now Germany and has roots in people who were not wealthy and were subsequently frugal with their meals. A particularly authentic snack that typifies Pennsylvania Dutch food is the simple two-ingredient combination of apple butter and cottage cheese.

The star of this simple snack is unquestionably apple butter, which isn't as fancy as cranberry compound butter, but is a thick, sweet concoction with hints of warming spices. When mixed with cottage cheese, it results in a spread that balances sweet, spicy, and creamy notes. It's substantive enough to have on its own, but you can also eat it atop crusty bread for a healthy bite that channels the simple old-world deliciousness that's quintessentially Pennsylvania Dutch.

Making apple butter was originally a way to preserve apples and is still made by boiling them in cider and cooking down the mixture to a luxurious, thick concoction. Sugar and a mix of cinnamon, ginger, anise, and other spices give it depth and result in a spread with virtually limitless uses. You can use it to top pancakes, employ it as a dip for apple fritters, or stir it into ice cream or yogurt. Mixing it with cottage cheese makes for a relatively healthy snack because of the protein in the cheese. If you're eating it on bread or as a sandwich, a few slivers of fresh apple also add nice textural contrast. Try topping some crispy cottage cheese flatbread with apple butter for a delicious spin on the combination.

Because of how simple the dish is, it's easy enough to make at home. However, keep an eye out for it on the menus of local diners in Pennsylvania and, if you want to impress your server, ask for smearcase with apple butter (that's a type of local cheesecake but also a moniker for cottage cheese). Once you've sampled this classic local combination, try pairing apple butter with other cheeses. A version of the classic French Jambon-Beurre sandwich can also be made by substituting regular butter with apple butter and will also have you feeling very Pennsylvania Dutch indeed.