Cheese Pastry

Cheese Pastry: A Traditional Recipe with a Festive Flavor

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Servings: 12

Cheese pastry is a traditional delicacy, often associated with holidays, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. This recipe offers a fluffy dough filled with a delicious combination of sweet cheese and orange flavor that will delight your senses. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unique pastry!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg wheat flour
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 egg yolks
- 500 ml boiled and cooled milk (make sure it is warm, like summer water)
- Grated zest of one orange
- 54 tablespoons of sugar (it may seem a lot, but sweetness is important)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- A drop of vanilla essence (for a stronger taste)
- 50 ml oil
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 1 kg sweet cottage cheese
- 100 g salty cheese
- 200 g sour cream
- A drop of vanilla essence
- Grated zest of one orange
- 100 g raisins (you can also use other dried fruits if you prefer)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 eggs + the egg whites from the yolks used in the dough

For brushing:
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of honey

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough

- Sifting the ingredients: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential for achieving a fine and fluffy dough, removing any impurities and ensuring a uniform texture.

- Activating the yeast: Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the fresh yeast dissolved in a little sugar. Cover with a bit of flour and let it sit for 10 minutes until it forms a foam.

- Adding wet ingredients: Add salt, warm milk, egg yolks, vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, orange zest, and butter at room temperature. Mix all the ingredients well.

- Kneading the dough: Start kneading the dough, gradually adding the oil. Continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This is a perfect time to use all your energy!

- Letting it rise: Make the sign of the Holy Cross on the dough, cover the bowl with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the filling

- Mixing the cheeses: In another bowl, combine the sweet cheese with the salty cheese. Use a fork or mixer to blend them well, ensuring there are no lumps.

- Adding flavoring ingredients: To the cheese mixture, add sugar, vanilla essence, orange zest, raisins, and eggs. Mix well until you have a homogeneous and flavorful filling.

3. Assembling the pastry

- Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. These two portions will form the two layers.

- Preparing the trays: Place baking paper in the trays greased with a little oil (this will prevent sticking and make cleaning easier).

- Forming the pastry: On a floured surface, roll out a round sheet from the first portion of dough. Place it in the prepared tray. From the other portion, make three strands that you braid and place around the edge of the tray.

- Adding the filling: Pour half of the cheese mixture over the dough, then form a cross from the remaining dough that you place on top. Use the leftover dough to create small flowers.

4. Baking

- Preparing for the oven: Beat the eggs with sugar and brush the pastry with this mixture. Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (180°C) and place the tray in the oven.

- Baking: Let the pastry bake for about 60 minutes. Check occasionally, and when it is golden brown, do the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the pastry is ready.

- Finishing: Remove the pastry from the oven and brush it with honey for a glossy appearance and sweet aroma.

Chef's tip

For an extra flavor, you can add a few drops of almond essence to the filling. Also, if you prefer a less sweet taste, you can reduce the amount of sugar.

Nutritional information

One serving of pastry contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while raisins provide quick energy, being rich in antioxidants.

Variations

If you want to experiment, you can add dark chocolate or ground nuts to the filling. Also, instead of raisins, you can use dried cherries or apricots.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a richer taste and more fiber.

- How do I keep the pastry fresh?
Store the pastry in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, where it can last a few days.

- What pairs well with the pastry?
The pastry is delicious alongside a warm tea or a glass of milk, but also with a cup of aromatic coffee.

Serving

You can serve the pastry plain, or with a berry sauce for a sweet-sour contrast. Another option is to accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert.

This cheese pastry recipe is not just a delicious dish but also an evocation of traditions and moments spent with loved ones. Try it and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: ingredients-for dough-1 kg wheat flour, 50 g fresh yeast, 100 g butter, 3 egg yolks, 500 ml boiled and cooled milk, zest of one orange, 54 tablespoons of sugar, 3 packets of vanilla sugar, one essence of vanilla, 50 ml oil, a pinch of salt. for filling-1 kg sweet cottage cheese, 100 g salty cheese, 200 g sour cream, 1 essence of vanilla, zest of one orange, 100 g raisins, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 2 eggs + the egg whites from the yolks used in the dough. for brushing-2 eggs, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of honey.