Sweet cheese pastries

Delicious Branzoaice: Sweet Dreams with Cottage Cheese

Autumn has arrived, bringing with it a dreamy landscape, with rust-colored leaves gently falling on the sidewalks. It’s the perfect time to gather around the oven and prepare something truly special. Today, I will guide you step by step in making fluffy branzoaice, filled with sweet cheese, that will warm your soul and remind you of beautiful moments spent with loved ones. This recipe is simple but has a taste that will take you back in time.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12 branzoaice

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 1 egg
- Zest of one lemon
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons oil
- 15 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- One packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 eggs
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 egg for brushing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of sugar with fresh yeast and 3 tablespoons of warm milk. Add a little flour and mix well. Let the mixture sit in a warm place for about 15 minutes until it starts to bubble and rise.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the risen yeast, beaten egg, remaining warm milk, lemon zest, and the whisked egg white with a pinch of salt. Knead the ingredients until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.

3. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, the two eggs, and lemon zest. Make sure the filling is well blended and creamy.

4. Assembling the branzoaice: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out to about 5 mm thick. Cut squares of about 8 cm. In the center of each square, add a tablespoon of filling. Brush the edges with egg white, then bring the corners of the square to the center, pressing them well to stick.

5. Preparing for baking: Place the branzoaice on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Mix one egg with 3-4 tablespoons of milk and brush the surface of the branzoaice with this mixture.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the branzoaice for 30-35 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

7. Finishing: After removing them from the oven, dust them with powdered sugar and let them cool slightly before serving.

Practical Tips

- Cheese: Choose fresh cottage cheese for the filling, as it will provide a better taste and creamy texture. If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a little feta or ricotta cheese.
- Flavors: Experiment with flavors! You can also add a bit of cinnamon to the filling for a special taste.
- Shaping the branzoaice: If you have trouble forming the corners, don’t worry! You can leave them as triangles or squares; they will be just as delicious.

Pairing and Serving

Branzoaice can be served warm, alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream would make a perfect accompaniment to these fluffy delights.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

One serving of branzoaice contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They are a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese, and the added sugar provides the necessary energy for a busy day.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the dough will be denser. You can mix white flour with whole wheat flour for a balanced result.
- What can I do with the leftover filling? If you have leftover filling, you can use it to fill pancakes or as a topping for yogurt.
- Can I freeze the branzoaice? Yes, they can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer. When you want to consume them, thaw them at room temperature or in the oven.

Personal Note

These branzoaice remind me of my childhood when my grandmother made them for us every weekend. The aromas wafting through the air and the smiles on the faces of loved ones are the most precious memories. I encourage you to try this recipe and adapt it to your taste. You might create your own sweet memories around the table. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: for the dough: 250 g flour 1 egg lemon zest 1/2 cup milk 3/4 cup sugar 6 tablespoons oil 15 g yeast a pinch of salt for the filling: 250 g cottage cheese 3 tablespoons powdered sugar a packet of vanilla sugar 2 eggs lemon zest 1 egg for brushing

 Tags:  cheese pastries cheese pies