Tender cheese squares

Tender Cheese Squares - A Sweet Delight with Rich Filling

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines a crunchy texture with a creamy and flavorful filling? Today's recipe, 'Tender Cheese Squares', is a true treat for the senses and a perfect choice for any occasion. This recipe blends simple yet flavorful ingredients and is ideal for serving as a dessert at a family meal or a party. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 250 g sugar
- Approximately 1 kg flour (or as needed)
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sour cream

For the filling:
- 1 kg cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 4 eggs
- 750 g cherries (fresh or canned, pitted) or 200 g raisins (soaked in rum essence)

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Mix well until the mixture becomes a fluffy cream.
2. Add the eggs, vanilla essence, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until well combined.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, kneading until you obtain a suitably firm dough. If it is too soft, add a little more flour.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fragile and crunchy texture.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the powdered sugar and eggs. Mix well until you get a creamy and smooth mixture.
2. If you choose to use cherries, make sure they are well-drained and pitted. If opting for raisins, soak them in rum essence to enhance their flavor. Add the cherries or raisins to the cheese mixture and mix gently.

Step 3: Assembling
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C if using a fan oven).
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Divide it into two parts: three-quarters for the base and one-quarter for the topping.
3. Roll out the larger portion of dough on a floured surface until you get a thin sheet. Place the sheet in a greased baking tray, ensuring the edges are well covered.
4. Pour the cheese filling over the dough in the tray and distribute it evenly.
5. Grate the remaining dough (the one-quarter) over the filling to create a crunchy layer.

Step 4: Baking
1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the dough turns golden and the filling sets.
2. After removing the tray from the oven, let the dish cool in the tray. This step will help stabilize its shape when you cut it.

Step 5: Serving
1. Once the dessert has completely cooled, cut it into squares. If desired, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness.
2. Serve the squares with a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. These combinations will highlight the dessert's flavors and create a memorable culinary experience.

Helpful tips
- Cottage cheese: Make sure the cheese is well-drained to avoid excess moisture. A quality cheese will make a difference in the texture and taste of the filling.
- Cherries: If using frozen cherries, there is no need to thaw them before adding them to the filling. They will add moisture and flavor.
- Variations: You can also add other fruits, such as peaches or apples, or experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give the recipe a personalized twist.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe for tender cheese squares offers a balance of protein from the cheese and eggs, carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, and healthy fats from the butter. In moderation, it is a delicious choice within a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but make sure the texture is similar.
- How can I store the squares for longer?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer.
- Is it possible to make the recipe without sugar?
You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners or sugar alternatives, but the final taste may be slightly different.

Enjoy making and tasting these tender cheese squares! Every bite will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones and turn a simple meal into a true celebration. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family!

 Ingredients: for the dough: 200g butter, 250g sugar, about 1 kg flour, zest of one lemon, one teaspoon vanilla essence, a pinch of salt, one packet of baking powder, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons sour cream. for the filling: 1kg cottage cheese, 200g powdered sugar, 4 eggs, 750g cherries or 200g raisins.