Cheese pies

The perfect dessert for any time of the day: Cheese Pies

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour (approximately)
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 pies

If you are looking for a recipe that will delight your taste buds and fill your home with enticing aromas, then cheese pies are the ideal choice. These treats are easy to prepare and have a creamy cheese filling, perfect for enjoying at breakfast or as a special dessert. The origins of cheese pies are deeply rooted in culinary traditions, with multiple variations that make them a universally appreciated delicacy.

Ingredients needed:

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour (choose a good quality flour for a fluffy dough)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (50 g)
- 100 g melted and cooled butter (you can use salted butter for a more intense flavor)
- 200 ml lukewarm milk (make sure it’s not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 2 eggs (common in pie recipes, they provide texture)
- 100 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- a pinch of salt (helps balance the flavor)
- vanilla sugar (for a sweet and aromatic scent)

For the filling:
- 500 g ricotta (or cottage cheese, if you prefer)
- 1 egg (to bind the filling)
- 200 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- vanilla essence (for a more intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon flour (to thicken the filling)

For brushing:
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk

Step by step:

1. Preparing the yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the yeast with 100 ml of lukewarm milk and add a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of flour. Mix well and let the mixture rise for 10-15 minutes, until it forms bubbles. This step is essential to activate the yeast and obtain a fluffy dough.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar. Make a well in the center, where you will add the yeast mixture, the remaining lukewarm milk, melted butter, and the two eggs. Mix everything with a wooden spoon until the ingredients start to come together.

3. Kneading the dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If necessary, you can add a little milk or flour, but be careful not to overdo it; a dough that is too dry or too wet will affect the texture of the pies.

4. Rising the dough:
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume. This is the perfect time to prepare the filling.

5. Preparing the filling:
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, the egg, sugar, vanilla essence, and the tablespoon of flour. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. If you wish, you can also add some raisins or lemon zest for an even more intense flavor.

6. Forming the pies:
After the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured table and roll it out with a rolling pin until you obtain a thin sheet. Cut the dough into squares of about 10 cm. Place a tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the dough like an envelope and make sure the edges are well sealed.

7. Preparing for baking:
Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar and milk. Use a brush to glaze the tops of the pies, so they will get a golden and shiny color during baking.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the pies for 25-30 minutes or until they become golden and browned. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

9. Serving:
Once cooled, you can dust the pies with powdered sugar for an elegant look. These pies are excellent both warm and cold, being perfect to be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Useful tips:

- If you want to add extra flavor to the filling, you can try adding orange zest or a little cinnamon.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even mix.
- If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese, but make sure to drain it well before use.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of cheese pies (approximately 100 g) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. These pies are a good source of protein due to the cheese and egg, and the butter adds healthy fats necessary for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, just adjust the amount (approximately 14 g of dry yeast is equivalent to 50 g of fresh yeast).

2. How can I store the pies?
The pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or can be frozen for a longer period.

3. What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with various fillings, such as chocolate, caramelized apples, or even savory fillings like feta cheese and spinach.

Personalized version:
To add a personal touch, I suggest trying to add some ground nuts to the filling for a crunchy taste or making a glaze from maple syrup to give them a sophisticated look.

In conclusion, cheese pies are a versatile dessert that will bring joy and satisfaction to both you and your loved ones. Whether you serve them at a party, at a family gathering, or simply as a delicious snack, these cheese pies are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy this moment of culinary creation!

 Ingredients: 1 kg flour 1 cube of yeast (50 g) 100 g melted and cooled butter 200 ml warm milk 3 tablespoons of sour cream 2 eggs 100 g sugar a pinch of salt vanilla sugar FILLING 500 g ricotta 1 egg 200 g sugar vanilla essence 1 tablespoon flour GREASING 2 egg yolks 1 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons milk

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