Sweet cheese Easter cake
Sweet cheese pasca: A delicious holiday tradition
When it comes to holidays, sweet cheese pasca is one of those dishes that reminds us of moments spent with loved ones. This recipe, full of nostalgia and good taste, is more than just a simple dessert; it is a connection to traditions and to the people who taught us to cook. Every time I prepare pasca, I remember my mother, who was always an expert in this field. This year, I decided to honor her memory and try to recreate this delicacy.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients:
*For the dough:*
- 500 g flour
- 125 ml lukewarm milk
- 80-100 g melted butter
- 150 g sugar
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 eggs
- Zest of one lemon
*For the cheese filling:*
- 700 g cottage cheese (or to taste)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 essences of rum
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 eggs
- 100-150 g raisins
- Sugar, to taste
Preparing the Pasca:
1. Preparing the raisins:
Start by soaking the raisins in warm water. This step is essential as it helps them become juicy and flavorful, adding a pleasant texture to the filling.
2. Preparing the yeast:
Sift the flour into a large bowl, making a well in the center. Here, add the crumbled yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a little lukewarm water. Cover with a little flour and let it rise in a warm place for 10-15 minutes until bubbles form.
3. Forming the dough:
Once the yeast has risen, add the remaining ingredients: flour, lukewarm milk, melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, and the remaining sugar. Knead the dough for 30-40 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If you feel the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
4. Letting the dough rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and let it rise in a bowl covered with a damp towel for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the vanilla sugar, rum essences, lemon zest, semolina, flour, and eggs. Make sure the mixture is homogeneous and the well-drained raisins are incorporated at the end.
6. Assembling the Pasca:
After the dough has risen, divide it into two parts: one larger part (about 2/3 of the amount) and one smaller part (1/3). Roll out the larger dough in the baking pan lined with parchment paper, covering the bottom and sides. From the smaller dough, form two strings that you can braid and place around the edge of the pan. Let everything rise for another 45 minutes.
7. Filling and baking:
Place the cheese filling in the center of the dough. Brush the surface with a mixture of egg and milk for a golden crust. Bake the pasca in a preheated oven at 160-180°C for 45-60 minutes. Use the toothpick test to check if it’s done – the toothpick should come out clean.
8. Glazing:
Once the pasca is baked, you can brush it with a little honey to give it an appetizing shine and added sweetness.
Serving suggestions:
Sweet cheese pasca is delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can accompany it with a herbal tea or a sweet wine, and for those who prefer something refreshing, a natural fruit juice will perfectly complement this dessert.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a different texture, but cottage cheese is the most traditional.
- How do I store pasca?
Pasca keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to a week. It can also be frozen, but I recommend consuming it fresh to preserve its flavors.
- Are there variations?
Of course! You can add chocolate or candied fruits to the filling for a unique taste. You can also replace the raisins with cranberries for a more tart note.
Nutritional benefits:
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, contributing to bone and muscle health. Whole flour can be used to add fiber, and sugar can be reduced to make pasca healthier.
In conclusion, sweet cheese pasca is not just a simple dessert, but a recipe full of memories and emotions. Try making it with your loved ones, and you will turn every holiday meal into a special moment, full of warmth and joy. Christ has risen!
Ingredients: Dough 500 g flour 125 ml milk 80-100 g butter 150 g sugar 25 g yeast 2 eggs grated peel of one lemonFilling with cheese cottage cheese to taste (I used about 700 g) 1 vanilla sugar 2 rum essences grated peel of one lemon 1 tablespoon semolina 1 tablespoon flour 2 eggs 100-150 g raisins sugar to taste
