Jam pastries

Jam or cheese pastries - A traditional recipe, full of flavor and memories

Imagine a sunny day, where the aroma of freshly baked pastries tempts our senses and brings back memories of moments spent with loved ones. Jam pastries are a symbol of goodness and culinary tradition, prepared in numerous variations over time. These delights, with a golden crust and delicious fillings, are perfect for a hearty breakfast or as a dessert at a festive meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 kilogram of flour
- 600 ml of yogurt (or sour milk)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 25 grams of fresh yeast
- 100 g of lard (at room temperature)
- 1 egg

For the filling:
- 250 g of fresh cottage cheese or jam (preferably apricot, but you can try other flavors)
- 1 egg
- 100 g of grated telemea cheese (optional)
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 3 tablespoons of milk (for brushing)

Step by step:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add 100 ml of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Gently mix and add the fresh yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step to activate the yeast and achieve a fluffy dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the starter (the yeast mixture), the rest of the yogurt, and the egg. Add the salt and lard at room temperature. Knead the dough by hand until it no longer sticks to the surface and becomes elastic. This step may take about 10-15 minutes, but the effort is worth it, as a well-kneaded dough will have a better texture.

3. Letting it rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place, away from drafts. You will notice that its volume will double, which is a sign that the yeast has worked effectively.

4. Shaping the pastries: Once the dough has risen, pour it onto a floured work surface. Flatten it with your hands into an even layer. Brush it well with lard, then roll it tightly, similar to a layer of sheets. Let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.

5. Filling: Roll out the dough again and cut it into suitable squares. Fill each square with cottage cheese or jam, then carefully roll them up, making sure to seal them well. Place the pastries in the baking tray with the seam side down to prevent them from opening during baking.

6. Second rising: Let the pastries rise for 30 minutes, covered with a towel. During this time, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

7. Brushing and baking: Before placing them in the oven, brush the pastries with the egg yolk and milk mixture to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Bake the pastries for 30 minutes, or until they are golden and nicely browned.

8. Serving: Once the pastries are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. You can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or serve them with a vanilla sauce or sweet cream. These pastries are delicious both warm and cold and can be served as a snack, dessert, or even for breakfast.

Practical tips:
- Choosing ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients. Yogurt can be replaced with sour milk, but yogurt provides a finer texture.
- Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh. Old yeast will not work effectively, and the pastries will not rise well.
- Varied fillings: Don't limit yourself to just jam or cottage cheese. You can experiment with chocolate fillings, sautéed apples, or even spinach with cheese.
- Serving variations: These pastries can also be served with a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. A warm pastry alongside a hot drink is the perfect combination for a relaxing afternoon.

Nutritional information (per serving approximately):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Protein: 7 g

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to soak it according to the instructions on the package.
- How can I store the pastries? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them for a longer period.
- What other ingredients can I add to the filling? You can add raisins, nuts, or cinnamon for extra flavor.

These jam or cheese pastries are not only delicious but also a perfect way to bring a touch of warmth and tradition to your kitchen. Don't forget to share these joyful moments with your loved ones, as cooking is also about creating beautiful memories! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 1 kilogram of flour, 600 ml of sour milk, I used yogurt, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 25 grams of fresh yeast, 100g of lard at room temperature, 1 egg. For the filling: 250 grams of fresh cottage cheese or jam, 1 egg, 100 grams of grated telemea cheese, I used apricot jam. 1 egg yolk mixed with 3 tablespoons of milk for brushing.