Easter bread

Sweet Cheese Pasca - A Flavorful Delicacy for Holidays

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 servings

Introduction:

Pasca is a traditional dessert that evokes the Easter holidays, filled with aromas and symbols of renewal. Last year, when I made Pasca for the first time in Denmark, the desire to preserve home traditions was stronger than ever. I used homemade sweet cheese, as I couldn't find the classic one. The result? An extremely flavorful Pasca, with a fluffy dough that will delight your senses and bring warmth to any holiday table.

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 0.5 kg flour
- 2 large eggs
- 125 g sugar
- 0.25 l milk
- 10 g fresh yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 100 g oil (for kneading)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Vanilla essence (to taste)

*For the filling:*
- 600 g sweet cheese (preferably homemade)
- 150 g raisins
- Rum essence (a few drops)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 200 g sugar

*For brushing:*
- 1 egg yolk
- 50 ml sweet milk

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the sweet cheese is well-drained and that you have the raisins ready. Soak the raisins in water with a few drops of rum essence and let them hydrate for a few hours.

2. Preparing the Dough:
In a small pot, heat the milk together with the sugar, salt, and lemon zest until warm. Do not let the milk boil! In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in a little warm milk.

3. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the flour, warm milk, eggs, dissolved yeast, and gradually add the warm oil. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth (about 10-15 minutes). A good method is to use your palms to push and fold the dough. This will help develop the gluten.

4. Letting it Rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 - 1.5 hours, until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until frothy. Gradually add the sweet cheese, mixing with a mixer. Incorporate the sour cream and vanilla, then add the flour and drained raisins. Mix the composition well and refrigerate until the dough is ready.

6. Assembling the Pasca:
When the dough has risen, divide it into two parts: 1/3 and 2/3. Grease a round 22 cm pan with oil and line it with baking paper. Roll out 2/3 of the dough with a rolling pin so that it exceeds the edges of the pan. Place the cheese filling in the center.

7. Covering the Pasca:
Roll out the remaining dough and place it on top of the filling, leaving a small space in the middle to allow steam to escape. You can decorate with the remaining dough, creating decorative shapes.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Beat the egg yolk with the milk and brush the Pasca with this mixture for a golden and shiny crust. Bake the Pasca for about an hour, or until golden and a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean.

9. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, let the Pasca cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a platter. It is delicious served warm or at room temperature, alongside a glass of cold milk or a fragrant tea.

Practical Tips:
- Sweet Cheese: If you don't have time to make sweet cheese at home, you can substitute it with ricotta or cottage cheese, but the texture and flavor will be different.
- Raisins: You can also add other dried fruits, such as apricots or prunes, for a more complex flavor.
- Decoration: Use the leftover dough to create decorative shapes on top of the Pasca. This detail will make your dessert look truly special.

Nutritional Benefits:
This Sweet Cheese Pasca provides a good source of protein from the eggs and cheese, and the raisins are rich in antioxidants and fiber. Although it is a dessert, it can be a healthier choice if consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but you may need to adjust the amount of milk.
- How can I store the Pasca? You can keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the oven to regain its fluffy texture.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the Pasca can be frozen. Make sure it is well wrapped, and when you take it out, let it thaw at room temperature.

Suggested Pairings:
Sweet Cheese Pasca pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or a fruit tea. You can also serve it with a fresh fruit sauce for a delicious contrast.

This Sweet Cheese Pasca recipe is not just a simple recipe but a way to bring tradition and holiday memories to every meal. I invite you to put your personal touch on it and share it with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: Ingredients dough 0.5 kg flour 2 eggs 125 g sugar 0.25 l milk 10 g yeast 1/2 teaspoon salt 100 g oil for kneading lemon zest vanilla essence Ingredients for filling: 600 g sweet cheese made at home raisins rum essence 4 eggs 2 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons sour cream 200 g sugar For brushing: 1 egg yolk 50 ml sweet milk

 Tags:  cheese pasca easter recipes