Cottage Cheese Cake

Today's dessert is a cheese pie, a delicious and comforting choice, perfect for days when we want to indulge in an authentic taste and fluffy texture. This recipe brings a touch of nostalgia and joy, inspired by culinary traditions, but with a modern twist that makes it accessible for anyone who wants to venture into the kitchen. The total preparation time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and this pie will be enough for 12 delicious servings.

Ingredients:
- 500 g sweet cheese
- 2 tablespoons watermelon jam (or raisins for a more traditional version)
- 500 g flour
- 400 g sugar (plus 200 g for meringue)
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon (grated) baking soda
- 350 ml milk
- 8 eggs (separate yolks from whites)
- 1 tablespoon starch

Preparation time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Baking: 1 hour
- Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Step by step:

1. Preparing the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, add the sweet cheese, the 2 eggs, and the chosen jam. Mix well with a spatula or a mixer on low speed until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. The watermelon jam will give a fresh flavor to the pie, but if you prefer a more traditional note, you can opt for raisins.

2. Preparing the base mixture: In another bowl, cream the yolks with 400 g of sugar and the soft butter until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy pie. Gradually add the milk and mix well. Incorporate the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda. Gently mix with a spatula, being careful not to form lumps.

3. Assembling the pie: Grease a baking pan with butter and flour (or use parchment paper if you prefer). Pour half of the dough mixture into the pan, leveling it evenly. Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the entire surface of the dough, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Pour the remaining dough on top and level it again.

4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Place the pan in the oven and bake the pie for 1 hour. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes, to avoid affecting the baking process.

5. Preparing the meringue: While the pie is in the oven, beat the egg whites with 200 g of sugar and the starch until you obtain a firm and glossy meringue. Use a mixer for the best results.

6. Finishing the pie: After 60 minutes of baking, remove the pan from the oven and add the meringue, leveling it with a spatula over the entire surface. Put the pie back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the meringue turns slightly golden.

7. Cooling and serving: Once the pie is ready, let it cool completely before slicing. You can serve it plain or decorate it with grated chocolate for an elegant touch. This will add a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the cheese is well-drained to avoid a wet pie.
- If you want a more aromatic version, you can add a bit of vanilla or lemon zest to the cheese mixture.
- The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it becomes even tastier after the flavors meld together.

Nutritional benefits:
Cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, making it a healthy ingredient for those looking to improve their diet. This pie offers a combination of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, as well as healthy fats from butter, making it a balanced choice for a sweet snack.

Ideal pairings:
This cheese pie pairs perfectly with green tea or a frothy cappuccino. Additionally, you can serve it alongside vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese? Yes, but make sure the cheese is well-drained and not too wet.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the pie? You can add chopped nuts or dark chocolate to the base mixture.
- Is this pie suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using plant-based alternatives for eggs and butter, but the texture and taste will be different.

Enjoy this cheese pie, a dessert that blends tradition with innovation, and turn each slice into a delicious and comforting experience. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 500g sweet cheese, 2 tablespoons watermelon jam (or raisins), 500g flour, 400+200g sugar, 4 tablespoons cocoa, 200g butter, 1 baking powder, 1 teaspoon (level) baking soda, 350 ml milk, 8 eggs, 1 tablespoon starch

 Tags:  cheese pie urda flour sugar unt