Sweet cheese or pumpkin pie

Sweet cheese or pumpkin pie: a classic, comforting dessert that combines sweet flavors with a hint of spice. This recipe is not just a culinary indulgence, but also an adventure in making a dessert that has brought joy to many generations' tables. Whether you choose sweet cheese or pumpkin, the pie is versatile and can be adapted to your taste.

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

Ingredients

For the dough (2 sheets):
- 7 tablespoons of milk
- 7 tablespoons of oil
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (or a packet of baking ammonia)
- 1 teaspoon of vinegar
- 400 g of sifted flour (ideally sifted twice for a fluffier dough)

For the cheese filling:
- 500 g of cottage cheese
- 1 cup of sugar (about 200 g)
- Raisins soaked in rum (or water) - a handful
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of semolina (to absorb excess moisture)
- 1 egg yolk for brushing the pie

For the pumpkin filling:
- Pumpkin (about 500 g, peeled and grated)
- Sugar (to taste, usually 2-3 tablespoons)
- Cinnamon (to taste, about 1 teaspoon or more)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a medium pot, add milk, sugar, and oil. Mix the ingredients over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil. It is important to stir constantly to avoid burning the sugar.
- Once the mixture has started to boil, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- After it has cooled, add the egg (you can beat the egg white to a foam for an even flakier dough) and the baking soda quenched with vinegar. Mix well until homogeneous.
- Start incorporating the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a soft but not sticky dough. If the dough is too soft, you can add a little more flour.

2. Preparing the filling:
- For the cheese filling: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, raisins, vanilla sugar, eggs, flour, and semolina. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
- For the pumpkin filling: Grate the pumpkin using a large grater. Place it in a pot over medium heat, add sugar and cinnamon. Stir constantly until the pumpkin becomes soft and the mixture reduces. Let it cool.

3. Assembling the pie:
- Divide the dough into two equal balls. Roll out the first ball on a floured surface, forming a thin sheet.
- Place the sheet in a greased and floured baking dish or lined with parchment paper. This will be the base of the pie.
- Add the cheese filling (or pumpkin filling, if you prefer) and sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of semolina over the mixture.
- Roll out the second sheet of dough and place it on top of the filling. Use a fork to make a few holes in the dough to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Brush the pie with a beaten egg yolk for a golden and appetizing crust.

4. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 165°C. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- After baking, let the pie cool completely before cutting it into squares. You can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look, although this step is optional.

Useful tips
- For sweet cheese: Choose fresh cottage cheese for a better taste. Drier cheese may require adding a few tablespoons of yogurt to achieve a creamy mixture.
- For pumpkin: Any leftover pumpkin can be stored in the fridge for other dishes, such as soups or purees.
- Variations: You can add additional flavors to the filling, such as vanilla or lemon zest, for an extra touch of flavor.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of cheese?: Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone for a finer filling.
- What drinks pair well with the pie?: A cup of flavored tea or a sweet white wine pairs perfectly with this dessert.
- How can I store the pie?: The pie can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. It is recommended to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Nutritional benefits
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, and pumpkin is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthy ingredient full of fiber. This pie is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a balance between carbohydrates and proteins.

Serving suggestions
This pie can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can add an extra layer of flavor.

Making sweet cheese or pumpkin pie is more than just a recipe – it’s an invitation to memories, moments of conviviality, and shared smiles. Don’t hesitate to put your personal touch on every dish, turning each serving into a culinary masterpiece!

 Ingredients: For the dough, for the 2 sheets we need: - 7 tablespoons of milk - 7 tablespoons of oil - 6 tablespoons of suitable sugar - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon of baking soda (1 sachet of ammonium for baking) - 1 teaspoon of vinegar - 400 g of sifted flour (sifted twice) For the filling we need: - 500 g of cottage cheese - 1 cup of sugar - raisins soaked in rum and currants - 2 sachets of vanilla sugar - 2 eggs - 2 tablespoons of flour - 2 teaspoons of semolina to sprinkle over the cheese mixture - 1 egg yolk for brushing the cake Pumpkin filling - as much pumpkin as you want - sugar to taste - cinnamon to taste