Braided Easter Bread

Braided Sweet Cheese Pastry: A Holiday Delight

Every year, during the holidays, many of us enjoy the tradition of preparing pasca. This braided sweet cheese pastry recipe is a delicious variant that will bring a touch of magic to your Easter table. What makes this pasca special is not only the combination of flavors but also the way the dough and filling are braided together, creating a unique appearance.

Preparation time: 1h 20min
Baking time: 40min
Total time: 2h
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 180 ml lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 600 g flour
- About 100 ml oil for kneading

*For the cheese filling:*
- 500 g sweet cheese (preferably cow cheese)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 eggs + 1 egg white
- Raisins (optional, to taste)

*For brushing:*
- 1 egg yolk
- A little milk
- A little sugar for sprinkling

Step by step: preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast: Start by crumbling the fresh yeast into a small bowl. Add 50 ml of lukewarm milk and a tablespoon of sugar. Gently mix and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step as the activated yeast will help the dough rise beautifully.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, the remaining lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix well. Gradually start adding the flour, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough becomes consistent.

3. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a tall plastic container that will allow you to knead more easily. Gradually add the oil, kneading well until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your fingers. This step may take 10-15 minutes.

4. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the cheese filling:

1. Mixing the ingredients: In another bowl, combine the sweet cheese with the sugar, vanilla sugar, and egg yolks. Use a fork to mash the cheese and incorporate the ingredients well.

2. Incorporating the egg whites: Beat the egg white until stiff peaks form and gradually add it to the cheese mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing the air from the egg white. If desired, add raisins for extra flavor.

Assembling the pastry:

1. Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into three parts: two larger ones (for the braid) and one smaller one (for the base and cross).

2. Forming the base: On a floured surface or silicone mat, roll out the smaller dough into a round sheet. Place this sheet in a round baking pan (25 cm in diameter), either lined with parchment paper or greased with oil and dusted with flour. Gently lift the dough up the sides of the pan.

3. Preparing the braid: From the larger dough, roll out a sheet and cut it into 6 strips. Brush each strip with a little cheese filling, then braid them two by two to form 3 braids. Place these braids in a circle on top of the base.

4. Filling with cheese: Fill the center of the form with the prepared cheese filling.

5. Forming the cross: From the remaining dough, roll out a sheet and cut it into 4 strips. Twist two strips together to form a cross, which you place on top of the pastry.

6. Second rise: Cover the pan with a towel and let it rise again for about 20-30 minutes. This step is important for a fluffy pasca.

Baking:

1. Preparing for the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat). Once the dough has risen, brush the pasca with the egg yolk and a little milk, then sprinkle sugar on top.

2. Baking: Bake the pasca in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until golden and passes the toothpick test.

3. Cooling: After the pasca is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Serving and suggestions:

This braided sweet cheese pastry is perfect to be served alongside a glass of milk or a cup of fragrant tea. It can be enjoyed as a dessert, but also for breakfast or as a sweet snack throughout the day. A personal recommendation would be to serve it with a little Greek yogurt and seasonal fruits for a pleasant contrast.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese? Yes, but make sure it is well-drained so that the filling is not too wet.
- How can I keep the pasca fresh longer? You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it, cut into portions, to enjoy later.
- What other fillings can I use? You can experiment with fillings such as chocolate, nuts, or dried fruits, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits:

This pasca is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the carbohydrates from the flour provide energy. It can be a satisfying snack, but it is best to consume it in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content.

Final note:

Preparing this braided sweet cheese pastry can be a pleasant family activity where each member can contribute. Don’t hesitate to put your personal touch on the recipe by adding ingredients you like or adjusting the quantities to your taste. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 25 g fresh yeast, 2 eggs, 3 tablespoons sugar, 200 ml warm milk, 180 ml lukewarm water, 1 teaspoon salt, 600 g flour, approx. 100 ml oil for kneading. For the cheese cream: 500 g sweet cheese, 4 tablespoons sugar, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 2 eggs + 1 egg white, Raisins, 1 egg yolk, a little milk, and a little sugar for brushing. Dimensions of round baking tray: 25 cm diameter.