Instructions: Brown ham and onion in butter or margarine in large skillet until onion is tender. Add flour and stir until bubbly. Add sour cream and stir until boiling, then remove from heat. Add pepper as desired. Bring 1 quart water to boil in 1 1/2 -quart saucepan. Add salt and noodles. Continue boiling on medium heat until noodles are tender (about 15 minutes). Drain noodles. Layer half the noodles in a 1 1/2 - to 2-quart casserole dish, the half the cottage cheese, then half the ham gravy. Repeat, ending with the ham gravy. Heat uncovered in the microwave 2 to 3 minutes or in the oven at 350 degrees 15 to 20 minutes, until heated through.

Makes 5 to 7 servings.

Doris Says: Veranika is a low German dish of cottage cheese dumplings boiled in water and then fried. It is usually served with ham and onion gravy. (Veranika is a big hit at the MCC Relief Sale in Hutchinson every April.) Unfortunately, the dumplings take a lot of time to prepare. My sister and I modified the basic ingredients into a quicker dish to satisfy our families love of veranika and save us time in the kitchen.

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