In a small bowl soak currants in hot water to cover 5 minutes and drain well.

In a blender blend together sour cream, cottage cheese, eggs, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons butter, zest, vanilla, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt until smooth.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a 2- quart gratin dish or other shallow baking dish.

In a kettle of salted boiling water cook noodles until tender, about 5 minutes, and drain well. Peel apple and grate coarse into a bowl. Add noodles and toss with sour cream mixture and currants. Transfer mixture to prepared dish.

In a small bowl stir together remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and almonds and sprinkle evenly over kugel. Drizzle top with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter.

Bake kugel in middle of the oven 40 to 45 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.

Per serving: 2300 Calories (kcal); 141g Total Fat; (54% calories from fat); 72g Protein; 197g Carbohydrate; 878mg Cholesterol; 2104mg Sodium Food Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 8 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 4 1/2 Fruit; 25 1/2 Fat; 6 1/2 Other Carbohydrates