Cheese and peach tart

Peach and Cheese Tart - a simple and refined delight

Welcome to the wonderful world of desserts! Today, I invite you to discover a recipe that combines tradition with the fresh flavors of summer: Peach and Cheese Tart. This tart is not just a dessert, but a story, a childhood memory inspired by the fresh cottage cheese lovingly made by my husband's grandmother. With a creamy texture and a sweet-sour taste from the peaches, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a family meal to a gathering with friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 50 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (8 g)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 100 g butter (cut into cubes, at room temperature)
- For the filling:
- 420 g fresh cottage cheese
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (8 g)
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- 1 egg
- 700 g peaches (about 4-5 large peaches) + 1 tablespoon sugar for decoration

Ingredient details:
Flour is essential for achieving a tender dough. Choose a good quality flour, preferably with a medium protein content. The vanilla sugar will add a pleasant flavor, but remember that you can substitute it with vanilla extract. Fresh peaches are preferred, but canned peaches can also be used if necessary, making sure to drain them well. Fresh cottage cheese is the key to the recipe, providing a creamy texture, but if you don't have it, you can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well. Add the egg and the cubed butter. Using your fingers, rub the ingredients together until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. This is a classic technique for preparing dough, which helps develop a tender texture.

2. Chilling the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a tender dough, as chilling allows the butter to solidify, thus preventing gluten development.

3. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, place the fresh cottage cheese, 100 g sugar, vanilla sugar, semolina, and one egg. Mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous. The semolina will help absorb the moisture from the cheese, providing a pleasant texture.

4. Preparing the peaches: Wash the peaches well, peel them, and remove the pits, then slice them thinly. This will allow the peaches to bake evenly during cooking.

5. Assembling the tart: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Remove the dough from the freezer and roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a thin sheet. Place the dough in a 28 cm tart pan, greased with butter. Evenly spread the dough and use a fork to prick it in several places. This will prevent the dough from puffing up during baking.

6. Adding the filling: Pour the cheese filling over the prepared dough. Arrange the peach slices on top, starting from the outside and moving inwards, forming a circular pattern. Sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar over the peaches to caramelize them and enhance their flavor.

7. Baking the tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the dough turns golden and the filling is firm. The aroma that will fill the kitchen is simply irresistible!

8. Cooling and serving: Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It can be served warm or cold, plain or with a dollop of cream or vanilla ice cream.

Useful tips:
- If you want an extra flavor, add a little lemon juice to the cheese filling.
- Experiment with other fruits, such as apricots or plums, to vary the recipe.
- Add a touch of elegance by decorating the tart with fresh mint leaves before serving.

Nutritional benefits:
This peach and cheese tart provides a good source of protein from the cheese, vitamins from the peaches, and carbohydrates from the flour. It is a relatively light dessert that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use soy cheese instead of cottage cheese? Yes, but the final texture and taste will be different.
- Is it possible to make the tart without eggs? You can try using an egg substitute, such as banana puree or yogurt.
- Can I prepare the tart in advance? Yes, the tart can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Pairing with other recipes or drinks:
This tart pairs perfectly with a cold herbal tea or fruity white wine. It also serves as a wonderful dessert after a Mediterranean lunch or an outdoor picnic.

In conclusion, the Peach and Cheese Tart is an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with loved ones or serve it as a dessert at a party, it will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Feel free to experiment and let your imagination guide you in the kitchen. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 200 g flour, 50 g sugar, one packet of vanilla sugar (8 g), a pinch of salt, 1 egg, 100 g butter. Filling: 420 g fresh cow cheese, 100 g sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar (8 g), 1 tablespoon of semolina, 1 egg, 700 g peaches + one tablespoon of sugar. Pan diameter: 28 cm.