Cheese pie

Cheese and Raisin Pie Recipe: A Traditional Delight

Who hasn't been captivated by the sweet and fluffy aroma of a freshly baked pie? The cheese and raisin pie is a dessert that evokes memories of moments spent with family around the table, enjoying lovingly prepared treats. This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for any occasion, from an afternoon snack to a special dessert for holidays. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 80 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of ½ orange
- 50 ml oil
- 2 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt
- Flour, as needed (about 300 g)

For the filling:
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon starch or semolina
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- Raisins (to taste)
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Yeast
The first step in this culinary adventure is creating the yeast mixture. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in a few tablespoons of lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast). Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour. Mix well and let it rise for 15 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This is the key to a fluffy dough!

Step 2: Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks with the remaining sugar, vanilla sugar, and grated orange zest. This will add a subtle and delicious aroma to your pie. In another bowl, place about 250-300 g of flour and mix it with the salt. Make a well in the center and add the risen yeast mixture, the egg yolk mixture, and the remaining milk. Mix the composition well.

Then, gradually add the oil, stirring continuously until fully incorporated. Sprinkle flour on the work surface and start kneading the dough. Add flour as needed until the dough no longer sticks to your hands. Knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes, or until it doubles in volume. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and delicious pie.

Step 4: Preparing the Filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sour cream, egg, vanilla sugar, raisins, and starch (or semolina). Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. The raisins can also be soaked in warm water or rum for extra flavor.

Step 5: Assembling the Pie
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured work surface until you get a sheet about 1 cm thick. Transfer the dough to a greased pie dish or a round baking pan. Make sure the dough covers the edges of the pan well.

Evenly spread the cheese filling over the dough, ensuring it is distributed uniformly.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pie in the oven and bake for at least 50 minutes, or until it becomes golden on top. A trick is to check it with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the pie is ready!

Serving Suggestions
Once the pie is baked, let it cool slightly before cutting. You can serve it plain or with a vanilla sauce or sour cream. A cup of tea or aromatic coffee perfectly complements this delicacy.

Variations
To add a personal touch, you can experiment with different types of cheese or add pieces of fruit, such as apples or pears, to the filling. You can also replace the raisins with dried cranberries for a slightly tart taste.

Nutritional Information
This pie is a good source of protein due to the cheese and egg. It also contains carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, providing energy. Each serving has about 300-350 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of dry yeast?
If you don’t have dry yeast, you can use fresh yeast. About 25 g of fresh yeast is equivalent to 1 packet of dry yeast.

How can I store the pie?
The pie keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days, covered with a damp towel. You can also freeze it, cut into portions, to have it on hand whenever you crave it.

Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance. Just make sure to store them in the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before baking.

This cheese and raisin pie recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia in every bite. So, embark on this culinary adventure and enjoy every step!

 Ingredients: Dough: 1 yeast 250 ml warm milk 80 g sugar 1 vanilla sugar zest from 1/2 orange 50 ml oil 2 egg yolks 1 tsp salt flour as needed Filling: 250 g cottage cheese 2 packets vanilla sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoon starch/semolina 1 tablespoon sour cream raisins 3-4 tablespoons sugar

 Tags:  cheese pie