{"id":7050,"date":"2026-03-25T12:32:05","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T16:32:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/?p=7050"},"modified":"2026-03-25T12:32:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T16:32:36","slug":"sargent-choice-test-kitchen-strawberry-basil-cottage-cheese-crostinis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/2026\/03\/25\/sargent-choice-test-kitchen-strawberry-basil-cottage-cheese-crostinis\/","title":{"rendered":"Sargent Choice Test Kitchen: Strawberry Basil Cottage Cheese Crostinis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/scnc\/files\/2026\/03\/Strawberry-1-636x496.png\" alt=\"box of crackers, bottle of lemon juice, bottle of balsamic glaze, plastic box of fresh basil leaves, container of low fat 2% cottage cheese, bag of frozen strawberries, bottle of maple syrup\" width=\"495\" height=\"386\" class=\"wp-image-7052 aligncenter\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/files\/2026\/03\/Strawberry-1-636x496.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/files\/2026\/03\/Strawberry-1-768x598.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/files\/2026\/03\/Strawberry-1.png 856w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 495px) 100vw, 495px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Sargent Choice Test Kitchen: Strawberry Basil Cottage Cheese Crostinis<br \/>\nMarch 18, 2026<\/strong><\/h4>\n<h4><strong>Why We Chose This Recipe<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These strawberry basil cottage cheese crostinis are a fresh, flavorful option that\u2019s perfect for college students looking for a quick and balanced snack. They combine creamy cottage cheese with naturally sweet strawberries and aromatic basil for a unique sweet-savory flavor. We selected this recipe because it requires minimal cooking and simple assembly, making it ideal for dorm or small kitchen spaces. It\u2019s also affordable and customizable, showing how a few fresh ingredients can create a nutrient-rich and visually appealing dish. Enjoy these light and refreshing crostinis as a snack, appetizer, or quick meal!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Recipe adapted from:\u00a0<\/b>Munchin with Maddie<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Ingredients for Blended Cottage Cheese:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16 oz low fat cottage cheese<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00bd tbsp honey or maple syrup<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zest from \u00bd lemon\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salt and pepper to taste\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 tsp lemon juice\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00bd tsp Cumin<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>Ingredients for Strawberry Topping:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strawberries (about \u00be lb, finely diced)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fresh basil<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balsamic glaze\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flaky sea salt optional<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Serve with cracker or crostini bread!<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Directions<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add all blended cottage cheese ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth and no clumps remain.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spread blended cottage cheese onto crackers or crostini with a knife.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top each crostini with a generous amount of diced strawberries, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, basil and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Enjoy!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/scnc\/files\/2026\/03\/Strawberry-2-636x436.png\" alt=\"Cracker topped with blended cottage cheese and leaf of basil with strawberry piece and dot of balsamic glaze\" width=\"491\" height=\"337\" class=\"wp-image-7053 aligncenter\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/files\/2026\/03\/Strawberry-2-636x436.png 636w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/files\/2026\/03\/Strawberry-2-768x526.png 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/files\/2026\/03\/Strawberry-2.png 985w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 491px) 100vw, 491px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Recipe Notes<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Dorm Friendly Version<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make this recipe dorm-friendly, consider these time-saving tips:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">To make this recipe dorm-friendly, consider these time-saving tips:\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Use pre-sliced bread or crackers instead of making crostini from scratch<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Buy pre-sliced strawberries or slice them with a simple knife<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Use store-bought balsamic glaze or skip it for fewer ingredients<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Assemble directly on a plate to minimize cleanup<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Storage: <\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Store components separately when possible. Keep the cottage cheese and sliced strawberries in airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble just before eating to prevent sogginess.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Tips: <\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Balance flavors:<\/strong> Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for extra sweetness and depth.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Layer thoughtfully:<\/strong> Spread cottage cheese first, then add strawberries and basil for the best texture and flavor in each bite.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong>Suggestions<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try whole grain bread or crackers for added fiber and longer-lasting energy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swap strawberries for other fruits like peaches, blueberries, or apples depending on what\u2019s in season<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add a drizzle of honey or sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor contrast<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use store-brand cottage cheese and bread to keep the recipe budget-friendly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only assemble what you plan to eat to reduce food waste<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul><\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What We Liked About It<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quick and easy! Simple assembly with minimal cooking required<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A refreshing mix of sweet, savory, and herby flavors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creamy texture from cottage cheese paired with crunchy crackers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light but still satisfying due to protein content<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easy to customize with different fruits and toppings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Nutritional Value<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>High in protein:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cottage cheese is rich in protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle repair and energy<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rich in micronutrients:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Strawberries provide vitamin C for immune support, while basil contains antioxidants that support overall health<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Calcium source:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cottage cheese provides calcium, which is important for bone health<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Balanced snack option:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber toppings helps provide steady energy<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Optional whole grains:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Using whole grain bread adds fiber, which supports digestion and helps you stay full longer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>March 25th, 2026\u00a0<\/b><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inhye Sung, Nutrition Science Student<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sargent Choice Test Kitchen: Strawberry Basil Cottage Cheese Crostinis March 18, 2026 Why We Chose This Recipe These strawberry basil cottage cheese crostinis are a fresh, flavorful option that\u2019s perfect for college students looking for a quick and balanced snack. They combine creamy cottage cheese with naturally sweet strawberries and aromatic basil for a unique [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24759,"featured_media":7053,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[8,12],"tags":[550,331,374,104,551,549],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7050"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24759"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7050"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7050\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7055,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7050\/revisions\/7055"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7050"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7050"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/scnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7050"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}