Verenika Recipe

In a blender combine cottage cheese 2 eggs and ground black pepper to taste. Cover and blend until smooth or beat with an electric mixer until smooth; Set aside.

In a large bowl stir together flour milk powder baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a small bowl beat together 2 eggs water and oil; combine with flour mixture.

On a floured surface knead dough about 10 times or until smooth. Divide dough in half and roll out each portion to a 1/8 inch thickness. Using a 4 inch round cutter cut out rounds of dough.

Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Moisten the edge and fold over to form a half moon shape; pinch to seal.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add half of the dumplings and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender; remove with a slotted spoon and drain. Repeat with remaining dumplings.

While the dumplings are cooking prepare the gravy. In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium-low heat. Stir in ham and cook until ham is light brown. Add 3 tablespoons flour 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir. Pour in milk all at once stirring constantly; cook and stir until thick and bubbly. Serve over the dumplings.