Parisian with cheese
Cheese Puffs: A Fluffy Delight for All Ages
Total Time: 2 hours (30 minutes for the starter and 25 minutes in the oven)
Servings: 8 delicious cheese puffs
Welcome to the wonderful world of baking! Today, we will prepare a recipe that combines tradition with refined taste: cheese puffs. These fluffy delights, filled with creamy cheese, are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Inspired by the bakeries of yesteryear, these puffs remind us of the joy of savoring food made with love.
Ingredients Needed:
*For the dough:*
- 500 g flour
- 260 ml lukewarm milk
- 70 g sugar
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 50 g melted butter
- 1 egg (for the dough) + 1 yolk (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
*For the cheese filling:*
- 500 g cottage cheese (choose a sweet and creamy one)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Step by Step:
*Step 1: Preparing the starter*
We start by activating the yeast to achieve a fluffy dough. In a small bowl, mix 20 g of yeast with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and 50 ml of lukewarm milk. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the starter rise in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
*Step 2: Preparing the dough*
In a large bowl, sift 500 g of flour and add a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the risen starter, the remaining milk (210 ml), melted butter, the egg, and vanilla extract. Using a spatula or your hands, mix the ingredients until a homogeneous dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
*Step 3: Proofing the dough*
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. This is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the aroma that fills the air.
*Step 4: Preparing the cheese filling*
Meanwhile, we prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sour cream, 3 tablespoons of sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla. Make sure the mixture is smooth and creamy. The taste of the cheese will be balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and the fresh aroma of the lemon.
*Step 5: Shaping the puffs*
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal parts. Take each piece and roll it out into a rectangular sheet. Imagine the sheet is divided into two parts: on the lower half, make a few shallow cuts with a pastry cutter (or a knife), but not all the way through. On the smooth half, place the cheese filling, fold the edges to seal the filling, then roll it up from the side with the filling.
*Step 6: Final proofing and baking*
Place the shaped puffs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel. Before baking, brush each puff with egg yolk for a beautiful, shiny color. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the puffs for 25 minutes, or until they are golden and fluffy.
Chef's Tip:
If you want to add a special touch, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cheese filling or replacing the cottage cheese with a combination of ricotta and feta for a saltier taste.
Nutritional Values (per serving):
Calories: approximately 250 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
These puffs are not only delicious but also a good source of protein thanks to the cottage cheese, making them ideal for an energizing breakfast or a healthy snack.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can experiment with goat cheese or a mix of sweet and salty cheese for a different flavor.
2. How can I store the puffs?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their fluffy texture.
3. What can I serve with the puffs?
These delicious puffs pair perfectly with a warm tea, latte, or even a glass of milk.
In conclusion, cheese puffs are a fantastic choice for any occasion. With every bite, you will discover a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy these delightful treats together! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: For the dough: 500 g flour, 260 ml milk, 70 g sugar, 20 g yeast, 50 g butter, one egg and one yolk for brushing, vanilla essence, a pinch of salt. For the cheese filling: 500 g cow cheese, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 3 tablespoons sugar, lemon zest, vanilla.
