Snails with sweet cheese

Sweet Cheese Snails - An Unforgettable Recipe

Who doesn't love a warm and fluffy dessert that perfectly blends the flavors of sweet cheese with a soft and aromatic dough? Sweet cheese snails are an excellent choice for a sweet snack, to accompany a fragrant coffee, or simply as a little indulgence at any time of the day. This recipe is not only simple but also full of tradition, with deep roots in culinary culture, offering a delicious and comforting culinary experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 snails

Ingredients

For the dough:

- 650 g flour
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons yogurt (preferably Greek for a creamier texture)
- 200-250 ml milk (warmed)
- 40 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 100 g sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:

- 700 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 3 small eggs (at room temperature) + 1 egg for brushing
- 5-6 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons rum essence
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon semolina (to absorb excess moisture)

Step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even dough. It is essential that the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast without destroying it. The butter should be melted and cooled to avoid affecting the dough temperature.

2. Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, rub the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar until completely dissolved. This will help activate the yeast and ensure a fluffy dough.

3. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour, salt, sugar, eggs, yogurt, and activated yeast. Start mixing the ingredients, gradually adding the warm milk. Incorporating the melted butter will add a rich flavor and soft texture. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and slightly sticky. This step is crucial for gluten development, which will make the dough firmer and easier to handle.

4. Rising the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, until it doubles in volume. You can place it near a heat source, but not directly on a hot spot.

5. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar until fluffy. Add the cottage cheese, rum essence, lemon zest, and semolina. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. The semolina will help absorb excess moisture from the cheese, ensuring the snails remain firm and do not become soggy.

6. Forming the snails
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the first piece of dough into a thin, rectangular sheet. Spread half of the filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Gently roll the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to cut slices about 3 cm thick. Repeat with the other piece of dough.

7. Baking the snails
Place the slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion. Beat an egg and brush each snail with a pastry brush for a golden and shiny crust. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the snails for 25-30 minutes or until golden and fluffy.

8. Serving
After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. Sweet cheese snails are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and an attractive appearance.

Useful tips

- Filling variations: You can experiment with other types of cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone, or add raisins or candied fruits for a more complex flavor.
- Serving: This dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also accompany it with vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce for a contrast of flavors.
- Storage conditions: The snails store well in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them to restore their fluffy texture.

Nutritional benefits
These sweet cheese snails are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats (from eggs and butter). Cottage cheese is rich in calcium, beneficial for bones, and low in fat, making it a good choice for a dessert.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes! You can try whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but the dough will be denser.

2. Can I freeze the snails?
Sure! Freeze the snails unbaked, and when you want to prepare them, let them thaw and then bake according to the instructions.

Conclusion
Sweet cheese snails are a delicious and comforting choice, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite and savor the time spent in the kitchen, creating delicious memories with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 650 g flour, 2 eggs, 3 tablespoons yogurt, 200-250 ml milk, 40 g butter, 30 g yeast, 100 g sugar, grated lemon zest, a pinch of salt. For the filling: 700 g cottage cheese, 3 small eggs + 1 egg for brushing, 5-6 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons rum essence, grated lemon zest, 1 tablespoon semolina.