Branzoici
Cheese Pastries
If you're looking for a recipe that will bring a smile to anyone's face, you've come to the right place! Cheese pastries are delicious pies filled with sweet cheese, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, perfect for any occasion. This recipe stands out not only for its taste but also for the memories it evokes - moments spent with family around the table, savoring warm and aromatic dishes. Let's get started!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 30 pastries
Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 2 eggs
- 50 g of fresh yeast
- 250 ml of warm milk
- 100 g of margarine
- 2 handfuls of sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g of sweet cheese
- Zest of one lemon
- 100 g of raisins (optional)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 100 ml of milk
- 2 tablespoons of semolina
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Activating the yeast: In a cup, combine the fresh yeast, 1 tablespoon of flour, and 1 teaspoon of sugar, then add 100 ml of warm milk. Mix well and let it rise for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is essential for activating the yeast and ensuring a fluffy dough texture.
2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, pour the flour and make a well in the center. Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, warm milk (in which you melted the margarine), and the risen yeast. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until a dough forms. If necessary, add a little warm water to achieve the desired consistency. It is important that the dough is soft but not sticky.
3. Kneading: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and easily separates from the bowl. This process develops the gluten in the flour, making the pastries fluffy and airy.
4. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour, or until the volume of the dough doubles.
5. Preparing the filling: In a saucepan, bring 100 ml of milk to a boil. Add the sugar and semolina, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Once cooled, combine the semolina with the sweet cheese, lemon zest, eggs (one whole and the white from the other), vanilla sugar, and raisins if you choose to use them. Mix well until you obtain a creamy filling.
6. Forming the pastries: After the dough has risen, divide it into two. Roll each part into a thin sheet and cut it into squares of about 10 cm. On each square, place a tablespoon of the cheese filling. Gather the corners of the square to form a parcel and ensure the filling will not leak during baking.
7. Placing on the tray: Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with flour. Arrange the pastries on the tray, leaving some space between them to allow for expansion during baking. Brush them with a mixture of egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of milk to give them a golden and appetizing color.
8. Final rising: Let the pastries rise for another 15 minutes on the tray, covered with a towel, to puff up a bit before baking.
9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray with pastries in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until they are golden and nicely browned. Each oven is different, so check them at 25-minute intervals to avoid burning.
10. Finishing: Once baked, let them cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar mixed with vanilla (or vanilla sugar) for a sweet and aromatic finish.
Serving suggestions:
The pastries can be served warm alongside a cup of aromatic tea or coffee. If you like to experiment, you can drizzle some caramel sauce on top or pair them with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Possible variations:
To diversify the recipe, you can try different fillings, such as cottage cheese mixed with chocolate or grated apples. You can also add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to bring an exotic note.
Nutritional information:
Each pastry has approximately 180 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. This dessert provides a significant amount of calcium from the cheese, as well as carbohydrates from the flour, offering energy and good mood.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with cottage cheese or ricotta, but make sure they are well drained of whey.
- How can I make the pastries lower in calories? You can reduce the amount of sugar and replace margarine with a high-quality oil or butter.
- Can the pastries be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the pastries before baking. Place them on a tray, let them freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! Cheese pastries are an excellent choice for a snack, dessert, or even a delicious breakfast. Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family, and in the end, don't forget to tell us how they turned out! Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the dough: 1 kg flour, 2 eggs, 50g yeast, 250 ml milk, 100g margarine, 2 handfuls of sugar, 2 packets of vanilla sugar. For the filling: 1/2 kg sweet cheese, grated zest of one lemon, raisins (optional), 5 tablespoons of sugar, 2 eggs, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 100 ml milk + 2 tablespoons of semolina.
