Really good cheese

Delicious Branzoaice: A Traditional Recipe with a Touch of Love

Welcome to the wonderful world of branzoaice! These fluffy delights filled with cheese are not just a culinary dish, but also a memory of days spent with family around the table. Let's prepare together these delicious branzoaice, which can bring a smile to anyone's face!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 30-40 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours
Number of Servings: 12-15 branzoaice

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 1 kg flour (choose a good quality flour for optimal results)
- 1 egg
- 3 egg yolks
- 100 g sugar (can be adjusted according to preference)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (for a flavorful taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of one lemon (for freshness and flavor)
- 500 ml milk (preferably whole for a richer dough)
- 200 ml water (approximately)
- 50 g fresh yeast (2 cubes)
- 1 ½ tablespoons lard (or butter for a finer option)

For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 kg cottage cheese (make sure it's fresh)
- 2 whole eggs
- 200 g sugar
- Zest of lemon (for an extra flavor)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

A Brief History

Branzoaice are a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations. These cheese-filled pastries are often associated with festive moments, but they can be enjoyed anytime, as a delicious dessert or an energizing breakfast. It is a versatile recipe that can be adapted with various fillings, such as dill, mushrooms, or even jam, giving each family a personal touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, lemon zest, egg, and egg yolks.
2. In a saucepan, combine the milk and water, then add the sugar and vanilla sugar. Gently heat the mixture until it becomes warm (not hot, as this will affect the yeast).
3. Dissolve the yeast in the milk and water mixture. Make sure it is completely dissolved.
4. Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the bowl with flour, kneading continuously. You may not need the entire amount of liquid, so add it gradually. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
5. Knead on the work surface for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands.
6. Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, until it doubles in volume.

Step 2: Preparing the Cheese Filling

1. In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with 200 g of sugar, the 2 eggs, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. Make sure the ingredients are well combined, achieving a creamy and uniform mixture.

Step 3: Shaping the Branzoaice

1. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Roll it out into a thick sheet of about 1.5 cm.
2. Cut the dough into strips, then portion them into squares of approximately 10x10 cm.
3. Take a spoonful of the cheese filling and place it in the center of each dough square. Fold the corners diagonally and pinch them together in the middle, forming a packet.
4. Place the branzoaice on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to rise. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 15 minutes.

Step 4: Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Using a brush, glaze each branzoaică with beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust.
3. Bake the branzoaice for 30-40 minutes, or until they acquire a beautiful brown color.
4. Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack. If desired, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a more appealing look.

Serving and Recommendations

Branzoaice are delicious both warm and cold. They can be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect breakfast or a savory dessert. They can also be enjoyed with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy contrast.

Variations and Additional Tip

If you want to experiment, try adding herbs (like dill) to the cheese filling for a savory note, or various dried fruits for a sweet version. Also, feel free to use other types of cheese, such as feta or ricotta, to achieve different flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the dough may be denser. Add a larger amount of liquid if necessary.

2. How long can I keep the branzoaice?
You can keep the branzoaice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze the branzoaice?
Yes, branzoaice can be frozen before baking. You can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Value (per branzoaică)

- Calories: Approximately 220 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g

These branzoaice are not just a treat, but also a source of energy due to their carbohydrate and protein content. The cottage cheese adds an important supply of calcium and protein, making them ideal for a healthy snack.

I hope you enjoy this branzoaice recipe as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg flour 1 egg 3 egg yolks 100 g sugar 2 packets of vanilla sugar 1 teaspoon salt grated lemon 500 ml milk + 200 ml water (approximately) 2 cubes of yeast (50 g in total) 1 1/2 tablespoons lard FOR CHEESE FILLING 1 kg cottage cheese 2 whole eggs 200 g sugar lemon zest 1 packet vanilla sugar

 Tags:  cheeses cheese pies