Brinzoaice

Delicious cheese pastries filled with cheese - A traditional recipe with a touch of nostalgia

When it comes to dishes that remind us of childhood, cheese pastries are surely a favorite. This dessert is not only tasty but also versatile, with options for both sweet and savory fillings. Today, I will guide you step by step in making these delicious cheese pastries that will impress any guest or bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 20 pastries

Necessary ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 1 kg of flour
- 50 g of fresh yeast
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 ½ cups of lukewarm water
- 3 eggs
- 2 packets of margarine or 400 g of butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Grated zest of one lemon

*For the filling:*
- 250 g of spreadable cheese 9%
- 500 g of cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- ¾ cup of sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon

A short story about cheese pastries

Cheese pastries are a staple in many cultures, with origins that are lost in history. They are often associated with family moments, made with love and shared at festive meals. Whether filled with sweet or savory cheese, these delights are appreciated for their fluffy texture and delicious taste.

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the yeast:
Start by preparing the yeast. In a small bowl, mix 50 g of fresh yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar and ½ cup of lukewarm water. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast, ensuring proper rising of the dough.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a mixer, add the flour, the 6 tablespoons of sugar, salt, and grated lemon zest. Mix the dry ingredients well. Then add the activated yeast, the 3 eggs, and the melted margarine (or butter). Gradually pour in the rest of the lukewarm water, mixing constantly. Let the mixer work the dough for 15 minutes until you get a shiny dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

3. Resting the dough:
Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This resting step will enhance it, giving it a more intense flavor and better texture.

4. Preparing the filling:
In a bowl, mix the spreadable cheese, cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 egg, vanilla extract, sugar, and grated lemon zest. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. If you want a saltier filling, you can add homemade cheese, dill, and green onion, just like mom used to make.

5. Shaping the pastries:
On a floured surface, take the dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into two. Roll each piece into a thin sheet, then cut it into 15x15 cm squares. Use a teaspoon to place the filling in the center of each square. Fold the edges over the filling, thus forming the pastries.

6. Baking:
Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Before putting them in the oven, brush them with a mixture of beaten egg and water for a beautiful golden appearance. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and bake the pastries for 20 minutes or until they are lightly browned.

7. Finishing:
Once baked, let the pastries cool on a rack. You can brush them with a sugar syrup or diluted apricot jam to give them an attractive appearance and a sweet taste. If you prefer, you can leave them unglazed, as they are just as delicious without this finish.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the preparation. This will help with better homogenization of the dough.
- You can experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate, fruits, or nuts, to create a customized version of the pastries.
- If you don't have fresh yeast, you can use dry yeast (about 20 g).

Nutritional benefits:
Cheese pastries are a good source of carbohydrates and proteins, thanks to the cheeses used. Using whole ingredients and quality cheeses can also add essential nutrients such as calcium and B vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I freeze the pastries?
Yes, you can freeze the pastries after they have completely cooled. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and you can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

- How can I make the pastries less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or opt for salty cheese instead of sweet cheese.

Cheese pastries are more than just a simple dessert; they bring a touch of warmth and beautiful memories in every bite. Whether you choose to serve them at a festive meal or just as a sweet treat during the day, these cheese-filled pastries are certainly a wonderful choice. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough 1kg of flour 50g of fresh yeast 6 tablespoons of sugar 1 1/2 cups of warm water 3 eggs 2 packets of margarine or butter - 400g 1 teaspoon of salt grated lemon peel For the filling 250g of spreadable cheese 9% 500g of cottage cheese 1 tablespoon of flour 1 egg 1 tablespoon of vanilla essence 3/4 cup of sugar grated peel of one lemon