Cheese pie

Cheese Pie - A Classic Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

I propose we prepare a delicious cheese pie together, which will bring a touch of nostalgia and comfort in every slice. This recipe, with a long history, is a symbol of goodness and culinary tradition, being appreciated in many cultures. It is perfect for any occasion - from a family meal to a gathering with friends.

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 500 g phyllo pastry (one package)
- Oil for greasing

*For the filling:*
- 1 kg cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 200 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- 100 g sour cream
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Lemon essence (to taste)

*For the sauce:*
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the tray: Start by greasing a tray measuring 25-30 cm in length with higher sides. Use oil to prevent the dough from sticking.

2. Spreading the sheets: Take the phyllo sheets and, using a brush or a kitchen towel, grease each sheet with oil. Place half of the greased sheets in the tray, making sure to overlap them slightly to cover the entire surface. Don’t forget to poke the sheets with a fork in several places to allow steam to escape during baking.

3. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, flour, semolina, sour cream, baking powder, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, and lemon essence. Use a food processor or mixer to blend all the ingredients until you achieve a creamy and well-combined mixture.

4. Adding the filling: Pour the filling obtained over the sheets in the tray, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Then, place the remaining sheets, each greased with oil, to form a crispy crust.

5. Poking and sauce: Again, poke the pie with a fork every 5 cm to avoid excessive puffing. Prepare the sauce by mixing milk, eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla sugar until smooth. Pour the sauce evenly over the pie.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for about an hour or until the pie is golden and well-set. Check from time to time to ensure it does not burn.

7. Cooling and serving: Once the pie is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes before cutting. You can serve the pie warm or at room temperature, alongside a glass of mineral water or a fragrant tea.

Practical Tips:

- Cheese: Choose well-drained cottage cheese; if it is too wet, the pie will be soft and hard to cut. A slightly salty cheese can add a more interesting flavor.
- Phyllo sheets: If you do not have phyllo sheets available, you can use puff pastry, but the baking time will vary.
- Variations: You can add raisins or candied fruits to the filling for a sweet-sour note. Also, substituting cottage cheese with feta cheese provides a distinct flavor.
- Sweetening: If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.

Nutritional Information:
This cheese pie provides a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. It is rich in calcium, essential for bone health. However, considering the sugar and oil content, it is recommended to consume it in moderation. One serving contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use soy cheese?: Yes, soy cheese is a vegan option, but the taste and texture will be different.
- How can I make the pie less caloric?: You can reduce the amount of sugar and sour cream or opt for whole grain phyllo sheets.
- Can the pie be frozen?: Yes, the pie can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so before baking. Wrap it in cling film and store it in the freezer.

This cheese pie will surely become a staple recipe in your menu. With each slice, you will enjoy a perfect combination of crispy layers and creamy filling, bringing a part of culinary tradition to your table. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: a 500 g package of pie dough for greasing the sheets Filling: 1 kg cow cheese 200 g sugar 2 eggs 2 tablespoons flour 1 tablespoon semolina 100 g sour cream 1/2 baking powder 2 packets vanilla sugar lemon zest lemon essence 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Sauce: 1 cup milk 2 eggs 100 g sugar 2 tablespoons oil 1 packet vanilla sugar