Snails with cheese

Cheese Snails - A Delicious and Easy Recipe

This classic dessert, also known as cheese snails, combines the fine flavors of cheese with the sweetness of sugar and raisins, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet snack, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Let’s embark together on a journey of flavors and discover how to prepare these fluffy and tasty snails.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Necessary ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 800 g flour
- 3 egg yolks
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 500 ml milk (warm)
- 150 g butter (soft)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 550 g cottage cheese
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g raisins
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

*For the syrup:*
- 50 ml milk
- 4 large tablespoons of sugar

Preparation steps:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and 100 ml of warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as activated yeast will make the dough fluffy and light.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the egg yolks, soft butter, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Then, add the activated yeast mixture and the remaining milk.

3. Incorporating the flour: Start gradually adding the flour, mixing continuously. When you have incorporated about half of the flour, it’s time to knead the dough. Use either a mixer with dough hooks or knead by hand. The dough is ready when it becomes elastic and forms air bubbles. Gradually add the remaining flour and continue kneading until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

4. Letting the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 30-40 minutes. You will notice that the dough will double in volume, indicating that the yeast has worked.

5. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the sugar, raisins, lemon zest, and vanilla sugar. If the cheese is too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons of semolina to achieve a thicker filling.

6. Forming the snails: After the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and turn out the dough. Roll it out into a thick sheet about 1 cm thick. Evenly distribute the cheese filling and sprinkle the raisins. Roll the dough tightly, then cut it into slices about 2-3 cm thick.

7. Baking: Place the slices (snails) in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to avoid sticking during baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the snails for 40 minutes. After 30 minutes, when the snails are almost done, brush them with a syrup made from 50 ml of hot milk and 4 tablespoons of sugar. This glaze will make the snails creamier and more delicious. Leave them in the oven for the last 10 minutes until they become golden and well-baked.

8. Serving: Once the snails are ready, let them cool slightly in the tray, then transfer them to a platter. Serve them warm, alongside a cup of aromatic tea or coffee. Enjoy!

Useful tips:
- Choose low-fat cottage cheese for a healthier option.
- You can also add a bit of cinnamon to the filling for an even richer flavor.
- If you want a more colorful version, try adding pieces of candied fruit to the filling.

Nutritional benefits:
These cheese snails are a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese and provide carbohydrates from the flour, ideal for energizing you throughout the day. Moderate sugar consumption will give an instant energy boost, perfect for moments of indulgence.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different filling.
- How can I store the snails? It is recommended to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent them from drying out.
- Can I freeze the snails? Yes, you can freeze the snails before baking them. Make sure they are well wrapped in plastic wrap.

Complementary recipes:
This dessert pairs perfectly with a seasonal fruit compote or vanilla ice cream. Additionally, for a hearty meal, try serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad.

Now that you have discovered each step of preparing these delicious cheese snails, all that’s left is to put on your apron and start your culinary adventure. Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to bring joy to those around you. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 800g flour, 3 egg yolks, 120g powdered sugar, 500ml milk, 150g butter, 25g yeast, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 vanilla sugar, grated lemon zest, a pinch of salt; For the filling: 550g cottage cheese, 200g sugar, 100g raisins, 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, 1 vanilla sugar; For the syrup: 50ml milk, 4 large tablespoons of sugar;