Grandma's Easter Cake

Grandma's Pasca: A Traditional Delicacy

There are recipes that transport us through time, reminding us of moments spent with loved ones. Grandma Maria from Piatra Neamț used to prepare Pasca, and it is one of those recipes. This sweet pie, filled with cheese and sour cream, is a staple at holiday tables and beyond. With enticing aromas of vanilla and lemon, Pasca becomes a symbol of family reunion and tradition.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 400 g sweet bread dough (prepared in advance)
- butter for greasing the pan

For the filling:
- 750 g sour cream (choose a quality sour cream with a high fat content for a rich taste)
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 5 egg yolks (recommended to be at room temperature for better incorporation)
- 3 egg whites (whipping them will add air and make the Pasca fluffier)
- 150 g sugar (I suggest brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- vanilla (a pod or essence, according to preference)
- grated zest of one lemon (for an extra freshness)
- a handful of raisins (optional, but contributes to the texture and sweetness of the filling)
- a pinch of salt (to balance the flavors)

Preparing the Dough

1. Start by preparing the sweet bread dough. If you already have the dough made, you can use it directly. It is essential to let it rise so that it becomes fluffy and elastic.
2. On a floured work surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 0.5 cm, large enough to cover the bottom of your pan.

Preparing the Pan

1. Grease a pan well with butter, ensuring the edges are covered. This will prevent the Pasca from sticking after baking.
2. Place the sheet of dough in the pan, making sure it fits perfectly.

Creating the Edge

1. From two pieces of dough, form rolls the thickness of a pencil. These rolls will become the edge of the Pasca.
2. Braid the rolls and place them around the edge of the pan, pressing the ends to join them. This will create a beautiful appearance and keep the filling inside.

Preparing the Filling

1. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and salt until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color.
2. Add the flour, sour cream, vanilla, and grated lemon zest. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition.
3. In another bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the sour cream mixture using a spatula, to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.
4. Add the raisins, mixing gently.

Assembling the Pasca

1. Pour the filling into the prepared pan, being careful not to exceed the edge of the dough.
2. Brush the edge of the Pasca with beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust.
3. Sprinkle a few extra raisins on top for an attractive appearance.

Baking the Pasca

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat) and place the Pasca in the oven.
2. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the Pasca is nicely browned and the filling has set. You can check with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the Pasca is ready.

Cooling and Serving

1. Once baked, let the Pasca cool in the pan. This will help stabilize its shape.
2. Serve the Pasca plain or with a dollop of sour cream for a pleasant contrast.

Practical Tips

- You can replace the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts to vary the texture.
- If you want to experiment, add a bit of grated orange zest to the filling for a different flavor.
- The Pasca can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional Benefits

This Pasca is rich in proteins due to the sour cream and eggs, providing a good source of calcium and vitamins. The sugar in the recipe adds caloric intake, but consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use cheese instead of sour cream? Yes, you can use cottage cheese or sweet cheese for a denser filling.
- How can I tell when the Pasca is ready? Besides the toothpick test, the edge of the Pasca should be golden, and the filling should be firm.
- Can the Pasca be frozen? Yes, the Pasca can be frozen. I recommend slicing it before freezing for easier thawing.

This Grandma's Pasca recipe is more than just a dessert; it is a journey into childhood memories and a way to bring the family together around the table. Prepare it with love, share it with your loved ones, and enjoy every slice!

 Ingredients: Ingredients: 400 g dough for sweet bread (prepared above) butter for greasing the pan Filling: 750 g sour cream 2 tablespoons of flour 5 egg yolks 3 egg whites 150 g sugar vanilla lemon zest a handful of raisins salt

 Tags:  recipes easter bread and sweet bread easter bread easter recipes cheese pie