Cheese muffins

The dessert filled with telemea cheese, known for its fluffy texture and intense flavor, is a perfect choice for any occasion. These telemea cheese muffins are not only a culinary delight but also a wonderful way to bring a bit of tradition into your kitchen. Whether you serve them for breakfast, as a snack, or at a party, these muffins will surely impress with their delicious aroma. Let's discover together how to prepare them step by step!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- Fresh yeast (about the size of a walnut)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Flour (as needed, approximately 500 g)
- 100 ml oil

For the filling:
- Telemea cheese (approximately 300 g)
- 2 egg whites + 1 whole egg
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Preparation of the muffins

Step 1: Preparing the starter
In a bowl, place a little flour, making a well in the middle. In the warm milk, dissolve the yeast and sugar. Pour this mixture into the well of the flour, mixing gently with a fork. Let it rise for 10-15 minutes until the starter becomes frothy and doubles in volume. This step is essential for fluffy muffins.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
After the starter has risen, add the egg yolks, lemon zest and juice, and vanilla sugar. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding flour until you obtain a soft dough that does not stick to your hands. Add the oil in several batches, kneading well to incorporate it. Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a clean towel, until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

Step 3: Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, crumble the telemea cheese and mix it with the beaten egg whites, whole egg, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and creamy mixture. This filling will add a savory and slightly sweet note to your muffins.

Step 4: Forming the muffins
When the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a thick sheet about 1/2 cm. Evenly spread the telemea cheese filling over the entire surface of the dough. Roll the dough tightly, then cut it into discs about 2 cm thick. Place the discs in a muffin tray lined with baking paper, leaving a little space between them.

Step 5: Baking
Let the muffins rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C. When the muffins have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes or until golden and fragrant. You can check if they are baked by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the muffins are ready.

Step 6: Serving
After baking, let them cool slightly, then dust them with powdered sugar for an attractive appearance. These telemea cheese muffins are delicious both warm and cold. I recommend serving them with a cup of mint tea or natural yogurt to balance the flavors.

Useful tips
- Choosing the cheese: Use good quality telemea cheese, preferably homemade, for an authentic taste.
- The yeast: Ensure that the yeast is fresh to achieve a well-risen dough.
- Storing the muffins: These muffins store well at room temperature in an airtight container. You can freeze them, but it is recommended to consume them fresh to enjoy the intense aroma.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings by adding fresh dill or other herbs for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional benefits
Telemea cheese muffins are a good source of protein and calcium due to the cheese. Additionally, the eggs provide important nutritional value, being rich in vitamins A, D, and B12. However, as with any recipe, moderation is key.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I replace telemea cheese with another type of cheese? Yes, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta, but the taste will vary.
- How long can I keep the muffins? It is recommended to consume them within 2-3 days, but if stored correctly, you can freeze them to enjoy later.
- What other recipes can I try? If you like muffins, you can explore recipes for chocolate muffins, fruit muffins, or even savory muffins with vegetables.

Every bite of these telemea cheese muffins will remind you of moments spent around the table with loved ones. So don't hesitate to make them and share this delicacy with all your dear ones! Enjoy!