Cheese pie with pine nuts

Cheese and pine nut pie - a delight that combines tradition with modern flavor

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

Treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable culinary experience with this cheese and pine nut pie. This recipe is perfect as both a dessert and an appetizer, bringing together the delicious flavors of sweet cheese and the crunchy texture of pine nuts. By using simple yet quality ingredients, you will impress any guest and brighten up your festive meals.

A brief history of cheese pie
Cheese pies have a long history, being used for centuries in various cultures as a way to transform simple ingredients into rich and flavorful dishes. Whether served warm or cold, these pies have always been appreciated for their versatility. Pine nuts, added to the filling, provide a subtle taste that enhances the culinary experience.

Ingredients for the dough
- 220 g flour
- 30 ml palm oil (or other vegetable oil)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 45 g granulated sugar
- 10 g powdered brown sugar

Ingredients for the filling
- 1180 g sweet cottage cheese (make sure it is well-drained)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 small eggs
- 110 g sugar
- 50 ml lime syrup (you can also use maple syrup for a different flavor)
- 1 tsp homemade vanilla extract (or store-bought)
- 200 g sour cream (at room temperature)
- 6 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp powdered milk
- 3 tbsp pine nuts (lightly roasted for an intense flavor)
- 2 tbsp semolina or flour for dusting the base

Step by step to achieve the perfect pie

1. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. It is important to have the oven well heated for even baking.

2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Add the oil and mix well until you achieve a uniform composition. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and homogeneous. If you wish, you can let the dough rest for 30 minutes in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap to make it easier to roll out.

3. Prepare the filling: In another bowl, mash the sweet cottage cheese together with the egg yolk, whole eggs, sugar, lime syrup, vanilla extract, sour cream, cornstarch, and powdered milk. Mix well until you achieve a creamy composition. Finally, add the pine nuts and stir with a spoon, being careful not to crush them.

4. Assemble the pie: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a thin layer. Transfer it to a detachable baking pan with a diameter of 24 cm, greased with butter and dusted with flour. This step is essential to prevent sticking.

5. Prepare the base: Prick the dough in several places with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking. Evenly sprinkle the semolina over the entire surface of the dough, then pour the cheese filling. Smooth the surface with a spatula, ensuring it is even.

6. Bake the pie: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 1 hour. You will know it is ready when the pie turns golden on top and the filling is firm.

7. Cooling: Wait for the pie to cool completely before transferring it to a serving platter. This step is important to avoid breaking the pie when cutting.

8. Serving: You can serve the pie with a spoonful of sour cream or a berry sauce. This adds a pleasant contrast and a touch of freshness. Additionally, a cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this dessert.

Practical tips for a perfect result
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can roast the pine nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes, being careful not to burn them.
- You can add orange or lemon zest to the filling for a refreshing citrus flavor or even raisins for added texture.
- This pie is an excellent alternative to traditional Easter bread, being more flavorful and slightly less sweet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of cheese? It is recommended to use sweet cottage cheese, but you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone for a different texture.
- How can I store the pie? It keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crunchy texture.
- Is it suitable for vegans? This recipe is not vegan, but you can experiment with plant-based cheeses and egg substitutes to create a vegan version.

The nutritional benefits of sweet cottage cheese are numerous, providing an important source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health. This pie is not only delicious but also nutritious, having a lower calorie content compared to many other traditional desserts.

In conclusion, the cheese and pine nut pie is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings together tradition and innovation. Thank you for choosing to explore this recipe, and may each slice be a joy for you and your loved ones! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough 220 g flour 30 ml palm oil 1/4 tsp baking soda 1 tsp lemon juice 45 g granulated sugar 10 g powdered brown sugar Filling 1180 g sweet cow cheese 1 yolk from a large egg 2 small eggs 110 g sugar 50 ml lime blossom syrup 1 tsp homemade vanilla extract 200 g sour cream 6 tbsp heaping cornstarch 1 tbsp heaping milk powder 3 tbsp pine nuts ................. 2 tbsp semolina or flour for dusting the base