Cheese Pastry

Cheese Pasca - An Easter Delicacy

Every holiday has its staple recipes, and cheese pasca is undoubtedly one of the most beloved Easter dishes. This flavorful cake, with a fluffy texture and delicious filling, evokes memories of moments spent with family and friends. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare this delicacy, step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

For the dough (enough for 10 loaves):
- 2 kg wheat flour (choose a quality flour for a fluffy dough)
- 10 fresh eggs (preferably from free-range hens)
- 300 ml oil (sunflower oil is ideal, but you can also use olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 1 l lukewarm milk (preferably whole for a rich aroma)
- 500 g sugar (gradually adding powdered sugar will help achieve a fine texture)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar (for an aromatic taste)

For the filling (enough for 4 loaves):
- 1.5 kg cottage cheese (choose well-drained cheese to avoid excess moisture)
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding (this will give a creamy texture to the filling)
- Raisins (soaked in brandy overnight – this method will enhance the flavor)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 6 eggs (to bind the mixture and provide a rich taste)
- 400 g powdered sugar (to sweeten the filling)

A Brief History

Pasca is a traditional dessert associated with Easter celebrations, deeply rooted in the culinary customs of many cultures. Over time, this recipe has evolved, with each region having its specific variations, but the essence remains the same: celebrating life and rejuvenation. Cooked with love and devotion, pasca becomes not just a simple dessert, but a symbol of unity and joy.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the yeast
Start by preparing the yeast. In a small bowl, dissolve the 2 cubes of fresh yeast in 200 ml of lukewarm water. Add a tablespoon of flour and mix. Let the yeast sit for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential, as the active yeast will help the dough rise beautifully.

2. Heating the milk
In a saucepan, heat the milk together with 500 g of sugar. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, let the milk cool slightly.

3. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oil, egg yolks, and the activated yeast. Add the lukewarm milk and start kneading. The dough should be soft and elastic. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, in another bowl, combine the cottage cheese, vanilla pudding, the brandy-soaked raisins, vanilla sugar, and eggs. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. This will be the delicious filling of the pasca.

5. Assembling
After the dough has risen, divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin sheet, then place a generous portion of filling in the center of each sheet. Roll the sheets to form loaves, and then place them in greased and floured baking trays.

6. Baking the pasca
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the pasca with beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden crust. Bake the pasca for 45-60 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

7. Serving
Allow the pasca to cool well before cutting. You can serve it plain or with a little sour cream on top, alongside a glass of sweet wine or fragrant tea. It is ideal to be enjoyed with family during holiday days.

Practical Tips

- Choosing ingredients: Choose quality cottage cheese; fresh cheese without water will make a difference in the final texture of the filling.
- Alcohol-free option: If you want to avoid brandy, you can use orange juice or water.
- Serving: Pasca can also be enjoyed with a berry sauce, which will add a note of freshness.
- Storage: Pasca keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for a few days. You can freeze it for more holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Of course! Ricotta or mascarpone cheese can add a different flavor and a creamy texture.

2. How can I make pasca less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or opt for a cheese with a lower sugar content.

3. Can I add other fruits?
Yes, you can try adding pieces of cherries, apricots, or even a mix of dried fruits to diversify the flavor.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of pasca contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, but it also contains added sugars, so it should be consumed in moderation. Cottage cheese is also rich in calcium, essential for bone health.

I hope this cheese pasca recipe brings you joy and wonderful moments with your loved ones. Cooking is an art, and every recipe is a story waiting to be told. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Composition (4 pastries) 1.5kg cottage cheese 2 vanilla puddings Raisins (soaked in cognac overnight) 3 sachets of vanilla sugar 6 eggs 400g powdered sugar Dough (for 10 pastries) - 2kg flour - 10 eggs - 300ml oil - 1l milk - 500g sugar - vanilla sugar