Breeches

Sweet Cheese Pies – A Heartfelt Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 16 pies

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today we will explore together a traditional recipe for sweet cheese pies, a true treasure of our gastronomy. These pies are not just a simple dessert, but a vivid memory from childhood, filled with beautiful moments and smiles. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get to work!

A Brief Story of the Pies

Sweet cheese pies are more than just a simple dish; they evoke memories and traditions passed down from generation to generation. In many families, they are a symbol of hospitality, served at celebrations or family gatherings. Each bite takes you back to Sunday meals, when the family gathers to share stories, and the aroma of freshly baked pies fills your heart with joy.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 150 ml buttermilk
- 150 ml warm water
- 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 700 g flour
- 1 small cube of fresh crumbled yeast

For the filling:
- 500 g sweet cow cheese
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons sour cream

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons milk

For decoration:
- Vanilla powdered sugar

Step by Step

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by gathering all the ingredients for the dough. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, warm water, sour cream, olive oil, egg yolks, salt, sugar, and lemon zest. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition.

2. Activating the yeast:
Add the crumbled fresh yeast to the wet mixture and let it activate for 5 minutes, until it starts to bubble. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy dough.

3. Adding the flour:
Begin to gradually incorporate the flour. You can do this with a wooden spoon or with your hands. When the dough starts to take shape, knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a bread machine, you can use the kneading and rising function, which will make your work easier.

4. Rising:
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, crumble the sweet cow cheese with a fork. Add the sugar, vanilla sugar, eggs, and sour cream. Mix well until you obtain a uniform composition. If desired, you can also add some raisins for extra flavor.

6. Forming the pies:
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide it into two parts. Roll out the first part into a rectangle, then cut it into squares of about 10 cm. In each square, place 2 teaspoons of cheese filling and gather the corners to form a pouch. Make sure to seal the edges well to avoid leaking filling.

7. Placing in the tray:
Prepare the tray with baking paper and place the formed pies on it. Let them rise for another 15-20 minutes in a preheated oven at 60 degrees.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 170-180 degrees and bake the pies for 20-25 minutes, until they become golden and brown on top. The aroma that will fill your kitchen during baking will be irresistible!

9. Finalizing:
Once the pies are ready, let them cool in a draft-free place. Before serving, dust them with vanilla powdered sugar for an elegant look and a sweet taste.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These sweet cheese pies can be served warm, alongside a cup of yogurt or sour cream. They are also perfect with a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. Additionally, you can experiment with alternative fillings, using goat cheese or adding dark chocolate for a more decadent version.

Nutritional Benefits

Sweet cow cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, contributing to bone and muscle health. Olive oil adds healthy fatty acids, while sour cream provides essential vitamins. However, it is best to consume these pies in moderation, considering their sugar and calorie content.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use soy or vegan cheese?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to be vegan by using soy cheese and chia or flax eggs instead of eggs.

- How long do the pies last?
These pies can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to regain their fluffy texture.

- Is fresh yeast necessary?
If you do not have fresh yeast, you can use dry yeast, replacing the amount accordingly (approximately 7 g of dry yeast for 25 g of fresh yeast).

I encourage you to put your personal touch on this recipe, either by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the quantities according to your taste. Whether you make them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, sweet cheese pies will always bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: for the dough: 150 ml buttermilk 150 ml warm water 2-3 tablespoons sour cream 2-3 tablespoons olive oil 3 egg yolks 1 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons sugar zest of 1 lemon 700 g flour 1 small cube of fresh crumbled yeast for the filling: 500 g sweet cottage cheese 4-5 tablespoons sugar 1 vanilla sugar 3 eggs 3 tablespoons sour cream for brushing: 1 egg yolk 2-3 tablespoons milk for decoration: vanilla powdered sugar

 Tags:  poale-n brau