Cheese Pastry

Cheese Pastry - a traditional festive dessert

Welcome to the wonderful world of baking, where every ingredient tells a story and every flavor evokes cherished memories. Cheese pastry is a dessert that blends tradition and innovation, often prepared during festive periods. This recipe is not just a simple dish, but a symbol of unity and joy, bringing family and friends together around the table.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 grams of flour
- 25 grams of fresh yeast
- 150 grams of sugar
- Zest of one lemon and one orange
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 egg whites
- 200 ml cold milk
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 1 vanilla essence
- 100-125 grams of butter or margarine (we recommend butter for an authentic taste)
- 1 egg for brushing the crust

For the filling:
- 500 grams of cottage cheese
- 3-4 eggs
- 125 grams of sugar
- 100 grams of mixed raisins (golden and black)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Zest of lemon (only the colored part)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the dough

Step 1: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Make sure they are at room temperature, except for the egg whites, which should be cold to achieve a good foam. Also, the milk should be cold.

Step 2: In a small bowl, set aside 2-3 tablespoons of milk from the 200 ml and 1-2 tablespoons of flour. These will be used to activate the yeast.

Step 3: Heat the butter over low heat in a saucepan, then add the cold milk and egg yolks. Mix until the composition is warm but not hot. Turn off the heat and add the rum essence, vanilla essence, and the grated zest of lemon and orange.

Step 4: Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold them into the egg yolk mixture, mixing lightly with a spatula.

Step 5: Sift the flour twice to aerate it. In a large bowl, place the sifted flour and make a well in the center. Add the activated yeast mixture (made from the 2-3 tablespoons of milk and flour) and mix, bringing the flour from the edges to the center.

Step 6: Once the flour is well incorporated, the dough should be slightly elastic. Knead it for a few minutes, then form a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Roll it around to coat it evenly.

Step 7: Cover the dough with a clean towel and place it in a warm spot, away from drafts, for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the filling

Step 8: Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the sugar with the egg yolks until it becomes a smooth cream. Add the essences, cottage cheese, rum-soaked raisins, and grated lemon zest. Mix well.

Step 9: Whip the egg whites separately until they form stiff peaks and fold them into the cheese mixture. Taste the mixture and add extra sugar if necessary.

3. Assembling the cheese pastry

Step 10: Once the dough has risen, take 2/3 of it and roll it out on a clean, floured surface into a round sheet about 2-3 cm thick. Place the sheet in a round baking pan lined with parchment paper.

Step 11: From the remaining dough (1/3), braid a ring from 3 strips, ensuring it is the size of the pan. Place the ring around the edge of the sheet in the pan and let it rise again for a few minutes.

4. Baking the cheese pastry

Step 12: Sprinkle semolina in the center of the pan to absorb moisture, then pour in the cheese filling. Brush the ring with beaten egg for a beautifully browned crust.

Step 13: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pastry in the oven and bake for 55 minutes. In the first 20 minutes, do not open the oven to allow the dough to rise properly.

Step 14: After 55 minutes, check the pastry with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it is ready. If the cheese seems soft, let it bake a little longer, brushing it with egg to prevent burning.

5. Cooling and serving

Step 15: Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the door ajar to let the pastry cool gradually, which helps maintain its shape.

Useful Tips

- Raisins: Soak them in rum or warm water to make them juicier. They will add a rich flavor to the filling.
- Cheese: Use well-drained cottage cheese to avoid excess moisture.
- Variations: You can also add other ingredients, such as ground nuts or chocolate, to give a personal twist to your recipe.

Delicious Combinations

Cheese pastry pairs perfectly with a sweet wine or fragrant tea, offering a complete culinary experience. It can also be served with a fruit sauce or vanilla ice cream for a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of cheese pastry contains approximately:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g

This dessert not only brings joy to the soul but also provides essential nutrients thanks to the cheese and eggs in the composition.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor.
- How can I store the pastry? You can keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for a longer period.
- Can I make the pastry gluten-free? You can replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, but the result will be different.

This cheese pastry is more than just a dessert; it is an experience that brings together tradition and joy. Preparing this recipe is a perfect way to bring your family and friends together, offering them a culinary treat they won’t forget anytime soon. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 500 grams of flour - 25 grams of fresh yeast - 150 grams of sugar - Zest of lemon and orange - 2 egg yolks - 2 egg whites - 200 ml of cold milk - 1 teaspoon of rum essence - 1 vanilla essence - 100-125 grams of butter or margarine (I only use butter) - 1 egg for brushing the dough - 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence. Filling: 500 grams of cottage cheese - 3-4 eggs - 125 grams of sugar - 100 grams of mixed raisins (black and golden) - 2 sachets of vanilla sugar - Lemon zest (grate only the colored part, avoiding the white part).