Cheese pies
Cheese Pies – Traditional Recipe from Mom
I remember how, in my childhood, the enticing aromas of cheese pies spread through my grandmother's house, bringing us all to the table. This recipe, which I learned from my mother, combines tradition with exquisite taste, offering a perfect culinary treat for any occasion. Let's get to work and transform simple ingredients into delicious cheese pies!
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 pies
Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 250 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- 2 tablespoons rum essence
- about 600 ml warm milk
Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 kg cottage cheese (preferably fresh)
- Sugar to taste (about 100-150 g)
- 5 eggs
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
Step by step for a perfect result:
1. Preparing the dough:
Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, add the flour and sugar. Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the cube of yeast, dissolved in a little warm milk. It is essential to use warm milk to activate the yeast, but not hot, as it will kill it.
Add the eggs, rum essence, and the rest of the milk. Mix everything with a spatula or your hands until you get a homogeneous dough. It may seem a bit sticky at first, but don’t panic! Gradually add flour until it becomes a suitable dough – neither too soft nor too hard.
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. During this time, the dough will become fluffy and airy.
2. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In another bowl, crumble the cottage cheese with a fork so that no lumps remain. Add the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice, mixing well with the fork until everything is well combined. Finally, add the vanilla sugar for an extra flavor. Taste the filling and adjust the sugar to your liking. A splash of fresh vanilla can add an even richer taste!
3. Forming the pies:
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a work surface with flour. Take a piece of dough and roll it out with a rolling pin, forming a sheet slightly thicker than a cake layer. With a knife, cut squares of about 10-12 cm.
On each square, place a generous spoonful of filling. Take one corner of the square and bring it towards the center, then do the same with the other corners, thus forming a packet. Be careful not to let the filling spill out! Place the pies with the corners down in a greased baking tray to prevent sticking.
4. Baking the pies:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Beat an egg in a plate and add a little sugar, then brush the pies with this mixture. This will give your pies a golden and appetizing crust.
Bake the pies for 30-40 minutes or until they turn golden. Here’s a little tip: for an even crunchier crust, you can place them on a preheated tray in the oven!
5. Finishing:
Once the pies are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look and a sweet taste. These cheese pies are best enjoyed warm, but they are just as delicious when cold.
Useful tips:
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace some of the cottage cheese with feta or ricotta for a distinct flavor.
- These pies are wonderful served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Additionally, a berry sauce or peach jam can add a note of freshness.
Nutritional benefits:
Cheese pies are a good source of protein, thanks to the cheese and eggs, and the carbohydrates from the flour will provide you with the energy you need for the whole day. They can also be an excellent choice for a hearty breakfast or a special dessert.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use store-bought cottage cheese? Of course, but make sure it is of good quality and as fresh as possible.
- How can I store the pies? You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
Now that you have the recipe for cheese pies, it’s time to try it out! I invite you to enjoy every step of cooking and share these delights with your loved ones. In the end, remember: cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 1 kg flour 250 g sugar 2 eggs cube of yeast 2 tablespoons of rum essence approx. 600 ml milk For the filling 1 kg cottage cheese sugar to taste 5 eggs juice from half a lemon 1 packet of vanilla sugar
