Cheese Pastry

Cheese Pastry – a traditional recipe, full of flavor and memories, that combines the delicate aromas of cheese with a fluffy crust, perfect for any occasion. This cake represents not just a dessert, but a true celebration of taste, bringing a touch of nostalgia in every slice. Whether you prepare it for Easter or as a special dessert for a family meal, the cheese pastry is sure to impress everyone.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 55 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 250 g wheat flour
- 125 g butter (at room temperature)
- 65 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 egg

For the filling:
- 1 kg well-drained cottage cheese
- 5 chicken eggs (or 3 large goose eggs for a richer taste)
- 5 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 packet of natural vanilla essence)
- 150 g golden raisins, soaked in rum
- Rum essence (for soaking the raisins)
- 200 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons semolina

For decoration:
- Whole and sliced almonds
- Chopped pistachios
- Powdered sugar

A Brief History

Cheese pastry is a dessert that has found its place in the culinary traditions of many cultures, symbolizing joy and celebration. Each family has its own recipe, which may vary depending on ingredients and preparation methods. This is a simple yet delicious recipe that can lead to unforgettable moments with loved ones.

Preparing the crust

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Take the butter, egg, and other ingredients out of the fridge a few hours before starting.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, egg, and butter. Use a mixer or knead by hand until you obtain a homogeneous and elastic dough. Don’t forget to wash your hands well before starting!

3. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step will help the dough become easier to roll out.

4. Preparing the raisins: Meanwhile, place the raisins in warm water with rum essence and let them swell for 10-15 minutes. This will give them a delicious flavor and make them softer.

Preparing the filling

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a food processor, add the cottage cheese, eggs, sour cream, sugar, flour, semolina, and vanilla sugar. Blend until you obtain a smooth mixture. Then, add the drained raisins and gently mix with a spatula.

Assembling and baking

1. Preparing the mold: Prepare a round cake pan with a removable bottom, lined with baking paper. It is important for the dough to slightly exceed the edge of the mold to create a nice edge.

2. Rolling out the dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and evenly roll it out in the mold, ensuring it is distributed evenly on the bottom and sides.

3. Pre-baking: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes, without the filling. This will help set the base and prevent it from getting soggy.

4. Adding the filling: After 10 minutes, remove the mold from the oven and pour in the cheese filling. Smooth the surface with a spatula.

5. Final baking: Bake the cheese pastry at the same temperature for 45 minutes, or until the filling is firm and slightly golden on top. A trick is to check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the pastry is ready.

Decorating

1. Cooling: Let the pastry cool slightly in the mold, then carefully remove it onto a plate.

2. Decorating: Sprinkle powdered sugar, almonds, and pistachios on top for an attractive look and a crunchy texture.

Chef's Tip

For an extra flavor, you can add lemon or orange zest to the filling. Also, try replacing part of the cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought cottage cheese?
Sure! Make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess water that would affect the filling's consistency.

2. How do I store the cheese pastry?
Keep the pastry covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the fridge for a longer duration.

3. What can I serve with the cheese pastry?
The pastry is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a fruit glaze for a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional Benefits

Cheese pastry is a source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, as well as calcium. The raisins add fiber and antioxidants, making this dessert not only a tasty choice but also one with nutritional benefits.

Conclusion

Now that you have gone through all the steps and learned the secrets of this delicious cheese pastry recipe, all that’s left is to try it! Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and every slice savored with loved ones. This is a recipe that will surely bring smiles and beautiful memories!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for the dough: 250 g flour - 125 g butter - 65 g sugar - 1 packet vanilla sugar - 1 egg. Ingredients for the filling: - 1 kg well-drained cottage cheese - 5 chicken eggs (I used 3 large goose eggs!) - 5 tablespoons sour cream - 1 sachet vanilla sugar (I used a sachet with natural vanilla essence from Dr Oetker) - 150 g golden raisins - Rum essence (to soak the raisins!) - 200 g sugar - 4 tablespoons flour - 2 tablespoons semolina. For decoration: - whole and sliced almonds - chopped pistachios - powdered sugar.