Cottage cheese pies

Cheese pastries: a delicacy that evokes festive family meals, stories shared around the table, and the rich aromas that delight our senses. These pastries are not only a delicious dessert but also a versatile snack, perfect for any time of the day. With a rich filling of cheese and a fluffy dough, they are sure to quickly become your favorites. Let's embark together on the preparation of this delight!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 12 pastries

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g of white flour (preferably type 000 or 00 for a finer dough)
- 25 g of fresh yeast
- 150 ml of warm milk
- 75 ml of oil (sunflower or olive oil for a subtle flavor)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 500 g of cheese (fresh, preferably)
- 5-6 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of chopped dill (for a fresh note)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of semolina (to bind the filling)
- Vanilla or vanilla sugar (optional, for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt

Preparing the Dough
1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl to remove any impurities and aerate the flour. This will help the dough to be fluffy.
2. Activating the yeast: In the middle of the flour, make a well and add the fresh yeast. Pour in 50 ml of warm milk and one tablespoon of sugar. Cover with a little flour and let it warm for 10-15 minutes until the yeast starts to bubble.
3. Kneading the dough: Once the yeast is active, gradually add the remaining milk, egg, oil, sugar, and salt. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and pulls away from your hands. If it is too sticky, you can add a little flour.
4. Rising the dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the Filling
1. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cheese, sugar, chopped dill, eggs, semolina, vanilla (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
2. Preparing for filling: Ensure that the filling is not too wet; the semolina will help absorb excess liquid, but feel free to adjust the amount based on the texture of the cheese.

Assembling the Pastries
1. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two or three equal parts. Roll out each part into a thin sheet, about 3-4 mm thick.
2. Portioning: Using a glass or a knife, cut circles from the sheet of dough. On each circle, add a teaspoon of the cheese filling.
3. Wrapping: Fold the circles in half, pressing the edges to seal the pastries well. You can use a fork to create a pattern on the edges, ensuring that the filling does not leak during baking.
4. Arranging on the tray: Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to prevent sticking during baking.

Baking
1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).
2. Baking the pastries: Bake the pastries for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden and fluffy. I recommend checking them occasionally to avoid burning.

Serving
The cheese pastries can be served warm or at room temperature. A delicious idea is to accompany them with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt, which will add a note of freshness. Additionally, a berry sauce or peach jam can transform this simple dessert into a true gourmet delicacy.

Practical Tips
- Choosing the cheese: Use high-quality fresh cheese, as this will influence the texture and taste of the pastries.
- Vegetarian option: You can omit the eggs from the filling, and the pastries will still be just as delicious.
- Variations: Try adding different herbs or even pieces of cheese to give a personalized touch to the pastries.

Nutritional Information
Each pastry contains approximately 200-250 kcal, depending on the ingredients used. They are excellent sources of protein due to the cheese, and adding herbs like dill also brings antioxidant benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, cottage cheese or feta cheese are excellent alternatives.
- How can I store the pastries? They store well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their fluffy texture.
- Can they be frozen? Yes, unbaked pastries can be frozen. Make sure to place them on a tray and freeze them before putting them in bags. Bake them directly from the freezer, extending the baking time by a few minutes.

Now that you've discovered the secrets of cheese pastries, all that's left is to get to work! These pastries are not only a way to savor an authentic taste but also an opportunity to create memories with loved ones. Enjoy!