Cottage cheese pie

Cheese Pie - The Taste of Childhood in a Delicious Slice

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn't remember the inviting aroma of cheese pie wafting through the house on Sunday mornings? This classic, simple, and quick recipe takes us back to family moments when each slice was enjoyed with smiles and stories. Cheese pie is a versatile dessert, perfect for any occasion, from a festive meal to a simple treat after a long day.

To achieve a perfect cheese pie, it is essential to follow each step of the recipe. Here’s how you can transform simple ingredients into an irresistible delicacy.

Ingredients:

- 600 g cheese (choose fresh cheese for a better taste)
- 250 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- 3 large eggs (for a fluffy texture)
- 3 tablespoons of flour (the flour helps bind the mixture)
- 100 ml sour cream (use full-fat sour cream for a rich flavor)
- Raisins (about 100 g, for added sweetness)
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh and aromatic taste)
- 1 pie sheet (easily found in stores)
- Rum essence (optional, but recommended for a subtle aroma)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the flavor)

Necessary utensils:

- A baking tray (about 30x20 cm)
- A large mixing bowl
- A mixer or a whisk
- A grater for the lemon zest
- A fork to prick the pie sheet

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by placing all the ingredients on the table. Make sure the cheese is well-drained, so the pie doesn’t turn out too wet. If you want, you can mash the cheese with a fork for a finer texture.

2. Mixing the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, add the cheese, 200 g of sugar, 1 beaten egg, a pinch of salt, raisins, flour, and grated lemon zest. Mix everything well with a spatula or mixer until you get a smooth mixture. The lemon scent will blend perfectly with the cheese, providing a fresh taste.

3. Preparing the egg and sour cream mixture: In another bowl, beat the other 2 eggs with 50 g of sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. Then add the sour cream and, if desired, the rum essence. Continue mixing until well combined.

4. Assembling the pie: Place the pie sheet in the baking tray. Use a fork to prick the sheet several times so that steam can escape during baking. This will help maintain a crispy texture at the base.

5. Adding the mixtures: Pour the egg and sour cream mixture over the pie sheet, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Then, carefully add the cheese mixture, spreading it as evenly as possible. If desired, you can add 2 tablespoons of fruit jam or preserves on top for extra flavor and color.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake the pie for 60 minutes, or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch. In the last 10 minutes, you can reduce the temperature to 160 degrees to avoid burning the surface.

7. Cooling and serving: After the pie is baked, let it cool in the tray for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. This will help maintain a perfect texture. You can serve the pie warm, at room temperature, or even cold, depending on your preferences.

Practical tips:

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cottage cheese or ricotta, to achieve different flavors. Also, instead of raisins, you can use dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of cheese pie contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, making it healthier compared to other types of cakes.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of cheese?
Yes, cottage cheese can be a good alternative, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid a wet mixture.

2. How can I keep the pie fresh?
The pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. You can gently reheat it before serving.

3. What drinks pair well with this pie?
A cup of black tea, an espresso, or even a light white wine pairs wonderfully with cheese pie.

Cheese pie is definitely a dessert that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones. It is simple to prepare and can be customized according to everyone’s tastes. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy the magic of cooking!

 Ingredients: 600 g cottage cheese, 250 g sugar, 3 eggs, 3 tablespoons flour, 100 ml sour cream, raisins, grated lemon peel, 1 sheet of pastry, rum essence, salt