Cheese pies
Cheese Pies - An Unforgettable Delight
Who doesn't love a warm pie with a rich and flavorful filling? Cheese pies are a classic treat, often found on festive tables, but also on ordinary days when you want to indulge your family or friends with a delicious snack. This simple recipe will turn any moment into a special one, bringing joy in every bite. So, let's get to work!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 pies
Ingredients needed
For the dough:
- 2 eggs
- 80 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 150 ml milk (warm)
- 10 g dry yeast
- 500 g flour
- Vanilla essence (to taste)
For the filling:
- Approximately 500 g cottage cheese (you can use fresh or store-bought)
- 100 g sugar
- Rum essence (to taste)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon starch (to bind the mixture)
For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
A Brief Story About Pies
Cheese pies have a long history, being prepared in numerous variations over time. They have often been associated with festive moments, being brought to holiday tables, but also as everyday food due to their versatility and delicious taste. Cottage cheese, the main ingredient of the filling, is rich in protein and calcium, making these pies not only delicious but also nutritious.
Step by Step for Perfect Pies
1. Preparing the yeast:
Start by creating a yeast mixture. In a small bowl, mix approximately 100 g of flour with the dry yeast and honey dissolved in 75 ml of warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface. This step is crucial to ensure proper fermentation of the dough.
2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs together with the sugar. Add the melted butter, the remaining milk, and vanilla essence. Mix well to combine the ingredients. In another bowl, place the remaining flour and make a well in the center. Pour the yeast mixture and the egg mixture into the well.
By doing this, start kneading the dough. Continue kneading until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it! It should be soft and slightly elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).
3. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar, rum essence, eggs, and starch. Use a mixer to obtain a smooth mixture. If you find the filling is too dry, you can add an extra egg. Otherwise, if it is too soft, add another tablespoon of starch. This filling will give the pies a creamy and delicious texture.
4. Shaping the pies:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into balls of approximately the same size. Flatten each ball and roll out a thin sheet. Place a generous layer of cheese filling on each sheet and then carefully roll it up, forming a log. Subsequently, twist the log into a snail or spiral shape.
5. Baking the pies:
Place the spirals on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 30 minutes. Before putting them in the oven, brush them with a mixture of egg yolk and a few tablespoons of milk to achieve a beautifully golden crust. Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (180°C) and bake the pies for 25-30 minutes or until they become golden and fragrant.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
These cheese pies are delicious served warm, but they can also be enjoyed cold. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a more festive look or accompany them with a berry sauce or sour cream. If you want to experiment, you can add raisins or citrus pieces to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How can I store the pies? They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for later use.
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes! Cottage cheese can be replaced with goat cheese or ricotta, depending on your preferences.
- Can I make the pies healthier? You can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour and reduce the amount of sugar for a healthier version.
Nutritional Benefits:
Cheese pies are an excellent source of protein from eggs and cheese, as well as calcium. Whole wheat flour used instead of white flour adds fiber and aids digestion. Additionally, butter provides healthy fats that contribute to a balanced diet.
So, don't hesitate any longer! Put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and enjoy a flavorful cooking session. Cheese pies will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!
Ingredients: For the dough: 2 eggs, 80 g sugar, 1 teaspoon honey, 100 g butter, 150 ml milk, 10 g dry yeast, 500 g flour, vanilla essence. For the filling: ~500 g cottage cheese, 100 g sugar, rum essence, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon starch. For brushing: 1 egg yolk, milk.
