Sweet cheese pasca (2)

Sweet Cheese Pasca – A Traditional Recipe Full of Flavor and Joy

Holidays are magical moments, filled with joy and peace, and a delicious sweet cheese pasca is certainly a perfect choice to bring a touch of tradition to your Easter table. This sweet cheese pasca recipe not only combines the delicate flavor of cheese with the aromas of vanilla and lemon, but it also brings the family together around a dessert that is sure to become everyone's favorite. Moreover, it is a simple recipe with a spectacular result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours
Servings: 12-16 servings

Ingredients

For the dough (quantities are for two pascas):
- 1 kg all-purpose flour (for a fluffy dough)
- 120 g sugar (for sweetness and flavor)
- 5 eggs (for consistency and richness)
- 100 g butter (melted, for a creamy taste)
- 50 ml oil (for elasticity)
- 30 g fresh yeast (the source of rising)
- Warm milk, as needed (for hydrating the dough)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to balance the taste)
- Vanilla extract (for flavor)
- Lemon zest and juice (for a fresh note)

For the filling:
- 800 g sweet cow cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 3 eggs (for a rich filling)
- 150 g sugar (for sweetness)
- Vanilla extract (for flavor)
- Lemon zest (for an intense taste)
- 2 tablespoons semolina (for consistency)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to bind the filling)
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (for creaminess)

For the finish:
- 2 egg yolks mixed with a little milk (for a golden appearance)

Instructions

1. Preparing the dough
Start by activating the yeast. Mix 30 g of fresh yeast with a teaspoon of sugar, a little warm milk, and a tablespoon of flour. Let it rise for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is the secret to a fluffy and airy dough!

In a large bowl, sift 1 kg of flour and make a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture, beaten eggs with 120 g of sugar, 100 g of melted butter, 50 ml of oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest and juice, as well as a pinch of salt.

Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula, then gradually add warm milk until you obtain a smooth dough. Knead the dough well for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and easily pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Grease your palms with a little oil to facilitate kneading.

Once the dough is ready, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.

2. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, you can prepare the filling. In a large bowl, add 800 g of sweet cow cheese, 3 eggs, 150 g of sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of semolina, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth and creamy composition. You can use a mixer for a finer texture.

3. Assembling the pasca
After the dough has risen, divide it into two. Use one part to form a base, which you can roll out with a rolling pin. Place it in a round baking dish lined with parchment paper. Add the cheese filling over the dough in the dish, leveling it evenly.

From the other half of the dough, you can create braids to place on top of the filling, giving the pasca a rustic and pleasing appearance. You can braid the dough in different styles for an artistic look – one more delicate and two richer, as you wish.

4. Baking
In a small bowl, mix the two egg yolks with a little milk and brush this mixture over the surface of the pasca to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the pasca for 35 minutes or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch.

Once the pasca is baked, let it cool in the pan, then carefully remove it and place it on a serving platter. This step is important to avoid breaking.

Serving suggestions
Sweet cheese pasca can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It is delicious alongside a fragrant herbal tea or a sweet wine. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a berry sauce for a delightful contrast.

Calories and nutritional benefits
Each serving of sweet cheese pasca contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size and amount of sugar used. This dessert is rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, providing energy and satiety.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta, but make sure they are well-drained to avoid a too-wet filling.
- Can I make pasca gluten-free? You can use gluten-free flour, but the final result may vary. It is important to follow a recipe specifically designed for gluten-free to achieve optimal results.
- How can I store pasca? Pasca keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days but can be frozen for a longer duration.

Possible variations
If you want to add a personal touch to the recipe, you can try incorporating raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate. A delicious variation is to add a few tablespoons of mascarpone cream to the filling for an extra touch of finesse and flavor.

Enjoy this traditional dessert that brings together not only delicious ingredients but also memories and beautiful moments with loved ones! Wishing you joyful holidays!

 Ingredients: For the dough (the quantities are for two pastries): 1 kg flour 120 g sugar 5 eggs 100 g butter 50 ml oil 30 g yeast Milk 1 teaspoon salt Vanilla essence Lemon zest and juice For the filling: 800 g sweet cow cheese 3 eggs 150 g sugar Vanilla essence Lemon zest 2 tablespoons wheat semolina 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon sweet cream For finishing, two egg yolks mixed with a little milk

 Tags:  cheese pie easter recipes