Packages with ricotta and raisins

Delicious cheese and raisin pastries: a culinary treat that blends tradition with modern flavor

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 pastries

Culinary journey

Today, I invite you to discover a charming recipe that brings a touch of nostalgia and an explosion of flavors: cheese and raisin pastries. This dessert, which combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the creamy and sweet filling, is ideal for any occasion – whether it's a family meal, a party with friends, or simply a personal treat. Before we get started, let’s remember the origins of this recipe. These filled pastries are a symbol of hospitality, often prepared to pamper loved ones.

Ingredients needed

For the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- A pinch of salt
- 40 g of fresh yeast
- 2 eggs
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar
- 60 g of melted butter
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
- Milk as needed (approximately 200-300 ml)

For the filling:
- 600 g of cheese
- 1 egg
- 4-5 tablespoons of thick yogurt
- 100 g of sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 100 g of raisins

For brushing:
- 1 egg
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the yeast:
Start by activating the yeast to bring the dough to life. In a small bowl, mix a little warm milk (about 100 ml) with 1 teaspoon of sugar and the crumbled yeast. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms on top. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to transform your dough.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. In another container, beat the eggs well and together with the melted butter, oil, and lemon zest, pour them over the flour. Add the yeast mixture and the warm milk in which you have dissolved the remaining sugar. Mix everything well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

3. Kneading the dough:
Turn the dough out onto the work surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes soft and non-sticky. If necessary, you can add a little warm milk. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume, about 1 hour.

4. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Crush the cheese with a fork, then add the egg, yogurt, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Add the raisins and mix again. This filling is not only delicious but also rich in protein and calcium, thanks to the cheese.

5. Shaping the pastries:
When the dough has risen, divide it into two. Take one part and roll it out on the work surface into a rectangular sheet about 2-3 mm thick. Cut the dough into squares of 10x10 cm. On each square, place a tablespoon of the cheese filling.

6. Forming the pastries:
Fold the opposite corners of the square and join them in the middle, forming a beautiful pastry. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. Brushing and rising:
Beat an egg with a packet of vanilla sugar and brush the pastries on top. Let them rise for another 15 minutes.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the pastries for 35-40 minutes until they become golden and appetizing. The aroma that will fill your house during baking will make you wonder how you could have lived without this recipe before.

9. Serving:
Let the pastries cool slightly before enjoying them. They can be served warm alongside a cup of aromatic tea or creamy yogurt. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a festive look.

Useful tips

- Fresh cheese: Make sure to use fresh cheese for a better taste and pleasant texture.
- Variations: You can replace raisins with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries. You can also add nuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Dough care: If the dough does not rise well, ensure that the yeast is fresh and that you used warm milk, not hot, to activate the yeast.
- Storage: The pastries can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days or frozen for later enjoyment.

Nutritional information (per pastry):
- Calories: approximately 150-180
- Protein: 4 g
- Fats: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary.

2. How can I make the pastries less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

3. Can I replace the cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or cottage cheese, but make sure they are not too wet.

In conclusion, cheese and raisin pastries are an excellent choice for those who want to indulge in a simple yet delicious dessert. Regardless of the occasion, these pastries will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 1 kg flour, a pinch of salt, 40 g fresh yeast, 2 eggs, 2-3 tbsp sugar, 60 g butter, 2-3 tbsp oil, 1 tsp grated lemon peel, milk as needed. For the filling: 600 g ricotta, 1 egg, 4-5 tbsp full-fat yogurt, 100 g sugar, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 100 g raisins. For brushing: 1 egg, 1 packet vanilla sugar.