Verenika With Ham Gravy

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups dry curd cottage cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup water
• 4 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup cubed ham
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups warm milk

Directions

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   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.

4. 4

   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.

5. 5

   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.

6. 6

   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.