Sweet cheese and raisin pie

Sweet cheese and raisin pie is a classic recipe, full of flavor and nostalgia, reminding us of warm moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. It is a versatile dessert, suitable for any occasion, from a simple snack to a festive meal. This pie, with its fluffy dough and creamy filling, is sure to become your family's favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1-2 hours
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1-2 hours and 5-10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 1 package of Unirea margarine (250 g)
- 150 ml warm water
- 20 g fresh yeast
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- Flour as needed (approximately 600 g)

*For the filling:*
- 700 g sweet cheese (you can use cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 4 eggs
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 250 g sugar
- 100 g raisins
- 2-3 tablespoons of semolina

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a larger bowl, place the margarine cut into cubes and add a pinch of salt. Use a spatula or fork to soften it a bit. In a glass of 150 ml, dissolve the yeast in warm water and add the teaspoon of honey. Stir gently until the yeast is completely dissolved. This step is essential as the honey helps the yeast to ferment better.

2. Combining the ingredients:
Pour the water and yeast mixture over the margarine in the bowl. Start adding flour gradually, kneading by hand until you obtain a non-sticky dough of the right consistency. If the dough is too sticky, do not hesitate to add more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, so you don't end up with a too dense pie.

3. Rising the dough:
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for obtaining a fluffy dough. If you want to speed up the process, you can preheat the oven to a low temperature for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside.

4. Preparing the filling:
In another bowl, place the sweet cheese (make sure it is well drained to avoid a too wet filling), the eggs, vanilla sugar, and sugar. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Add the raisins and semolina, stirring gently to distribute them evenly.

5. Assembling the pie:
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out the first half of the dough into a sheet the size of the tray in which you will bake the pie. Place the sheet in the tray lined with baking paper. If the filling is softer, you can sprinkle 2 tablespoons of semolina on the sheet to absorb excess moisture. Then, evenly add the filling over the entire surface.

6. Finalizing the pie:
Roll out the other half of the dough and place it over the filling. You can let your creativity flow at the end by making a few decorative cuts on the surface to allow steam to escape during baking.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pie for 40-45 minutes or until it turns golden and nicely browned. It is important not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes of baking to avoid affecting the rising.

8. Cooling and serving:
Once the pie is baked, remove the tray from the oven. Cover the pie with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This step will help stabilize the filling. After it has cooled slightly, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a special appearance and an extra sweet note.

Useful tips:
- If you want a fluffier pie, you can add a tablespoon of yogurt to the filling.
- You can also use other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, instead of raisins to give the recipe a unique twist.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla essence or lemon zest to the filling.

Nutritional benefits:
This sweet cheese and raisin pie is rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the raisins provide a healthy supply of fiber and antioxidants. It is also a good source of calcium, essential for bone health.

Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese?*
Yes, cottage cheese can be used, but make sure it is well drained to avoid a too wet filling.

- *What can I do with leftover dough?*
You can make small pies or rolls with jam or chocolate filling.

This sweet cheese and raisin pie is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience. Transform your kitchen into a place full of aromas and joy! Enjoy every bite alongside a cup of fragrant tea or a glass of natural fruit juice. It will surely become a favorite in your home!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 1 pack of Unirea margarine 150 ml water 20 g yeast 1 pinch of salt 1 teaspoon of honey flour as needed For the filling: 700g sweet cheese 4 eggs 3 packets of vanilla sugar 250g sugar raisins 2-3 tablespoons semolina

 Tags:  cheese pie