Cheese squares with lemon cream
Cheese and Lemon Cream Squares - a delicious recipe that combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the unmistakable flavor of cheese and lemon cream. This dish is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience, perfect for serving at a gathering with friends or a festive meal. Let's embark on this captivating recipe together!
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1/3 cup of water (about 80 ml)
- 1/3 cup of buttermilk (about 80 ml)
- 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 egg
- a pinch of salt
- 25 g of fresh yeast (a cube)
For the cheese cream:
- 250 g of fresh cottage cheese
- 200 g of grated telemea cheese (from sheep or cow)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
Nutritional information (per serving)
- Calories: approximately 220 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
A brief history
Cheese and lemon cream squares are a traditional dish found in various forms in many cultures. They are often associated with moments of conviviality, being served at festive or holiday meals. The combination of cheese and lemon offers a perfect contrast between savory and sweet, turning every bite into an explosion of flavors.
Step by step
1. Preparing the dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a little sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In a large bowl, combine the water, buttermilk, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, the remaining sugar, the egg, and salt. Add the activated yeast and mix well. Begin to gradually add flour until you obtain a soft dough that does not stick to your hands. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
2. Preparing the cheese cream
Meanwhile, prepare the cheese cream. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the grated telemea and sugar. Make sure the ingredients are well integrated, but do not mix too much; you want to keep a slightly grainy texture.
3. Forming the squares
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each portion on a floured surface, forming not too thin sheets. Cut the sheets into strips of 5 cm and then into squares.
To create the crispy taste, start by dipping each square in melted butter and then in sugar. Arrange them in a greased bundt pan, alternating with some of the cheese cream.
4. Assembling and baking
After arranging half of the squares and the cheese cream, repeat the process with the other sheet of dough and the remaining cream. Make sure each layer is well distributed. Let the squares rise again for 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). When the dough has risen, brush it with beaten egg for a nice golden color. Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden and fluffy.
5. Finishing
Once they are ready, let them cool slightly. While still warm, prepare the lemon cream. You can make a simple cream from lemon juice, sugar, and a little milk, which you can apply on top using a piping bag or a spoon.
Helpful tips
- Yeast care: Make sure the yeast is fresh to achieve a fluffy dough. You can do a simple test: if the yeast forms foam after being mixed with warm water and sugar, it is good to use.
- Diet option: You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, for a healthier version.
- Serving: Cheese and lemon cream squares can be served warm, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They are also perfect to be enjoyed with a berry sauce or creamy yogurt.
- Variations: You can experiment with different cheeses or add herbs to the cheese cream for a unique taste.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use soy or vegan cheese? Yes, for a vegetarian version, you can substitute the cottage cheese and telemea with vegan alternatives.
- Can the squares be frozen? Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Make sure to let them thaw before baking.
- How long can they be stored? These squares are best consumed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Conclusion
Cheese and lemon cream squares are an excellent choice for any occasion. This quick and simple dessert will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and leave pleasant memories. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family and enjoy every bite!
Ingredients: DOUGH: -1/3 cup of water -1/3 cup of buttermilk -3 tablespoons of butter or margarine -6 tablespoons of sugar -one egg -a pinch of salt -a cube of yeast (25 g) CREAM CHEESE: -250 g of fresh cottage cheese -200 g of grated telemea cheese (from sheep and cows) -4 tablespoons of sugar
