Mock Danish: A Low-Carb Treat
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (57g)
- Sodium 310.064 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small bowl, microwave the cream cheese for 15 seconds or less; just long enough to soften it.
- Add the egg and combine the two ingredients with a spatula until smooth.
- Add the sweetener, vanilla, salt and optional cinnamon (I like it with cinnamon and a bit of nutmeg, when plain, but leave it out with eating it with fruit jelly). Mix well.
- Because I'm fussy, I transfer the ingredients into a 6-oz. ramekin to nuke, but you can continue to use the same bowl. Microwave for 90 seconds (turning half way through). It shouldn't be runny, but the center should still be a bit soft, for that "Danish" feeling. May need to nuke for a further 30 to 60 seconds.
- I used a spatula to pop mine out of the ramekin and placed it onto a plate, but ... again ... many just eat it right out of the bowl! Delicious hot or cold! Cover with jelly, or ... sprinkle some more cinnamon and sweetener over it.
Operating within a strict carbohydrate limit requires rethinking breakfast textures, particularly the desire for pastry-like richness without traditional flour. This single-serving preparation relies on dairy proteins and whole eggs to construct a custardy crumb in minutes, bypassing the need for dough preparation, proofing, or oven baking. Softening the cream cheese thoroughly before incorporating the egg prevents stubborn lumps from forming in the batter.
Complements and Pairings
Pairing this rich custard with contrasting flavors balances the dense profile of concentrated dairy fat. Tart berry reductions provide sharp acidity that cuts through the creamy weight of the base. Alternatively, toasted sliced almonds add a brittle crunch that mimics the flaky exterior of a traditional bakery pastry. Spooning sugar-free preserves over the surface immediately after heating allows the fruit juices to warm and seep slightly into the edges of the warm custard.
Kitchen Sequencing and Temperature Control
Executing this dish successfully depends heavily on microwave wattage and timing increments. Heating the base for ninety seconds creates a set perimeter while leaving the exact center slightly undercooked to replicate a soft pastry filling. Microwaving high-fat dairy at full power for too long causes the fats to separate and release liquid, so pausing the appliance halfway through the cycle ensures even heat distribution across the ramekin. Storing leftovers in a sealed glass container within the refrigerator for up to forty-eight hours allows the structure to firm further, yielding a dense, cheesecake-like slice that tastes equally pleasant served chilled.
