Croissants with cheese

Cheese and Mushroom Crescents - a delicious and comforting snack

Who doesn’t love a warm and savory snack that fills your heart and enriches your meals? Cheese and mushroom crescents are a perfect choice, being both versatile and delicious. These little treats are ideal for a party, a family gathering, or simply to indulge yourself after a long day. Next, I will present you with the detailed recipe, full of useful tips and tricks that will turn every bite into an unforgettable experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 crescents

Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 egg
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Warm water as needed

For the filling:
- 300 g cow cheese (or telemea, if you prefer a saltier taste)
- 2 large mushrooms (champignon or any other type you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, pepper, and oregano to taste
- Tomato juice (for brushing the crescents)
- Sunflower seeds (for decoration)

Preparing the dough:
1. Start by preparing the dough. Dissolve the fresh yeast in warm water (about 100 ml) and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If using dry yeast, you can skip this step.
2. In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, egg, and olive oil. Incorporate the activated yeast and begin mixing with a wooden spoon until the ingredients come together.
3. Knead the dough on a well-floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
4. Form a ball from the dough and place it in a bowl greased with oil. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

Preparing the filling:
1. Meanwhile, clean and slice the mushrooms thinly. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become golden and release their juices. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
2. In a bowl, crumble the cow cheese and add the sautéed mushrooms. Mix well to combine the flavors. You can also add a bit of crushed garlic for a more intense flavor, if you like.

Assembling the crescents:
1. Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
2. Roll each piece into a thin sheet, then cut it into triangles. Place two slices of mushrooms and a teaspoon of the cheese mixture on each triangle.
3. Fold over the corners of the triangle and press well to seal the filling. Place the crescents on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush each crescent with tomato juice and sprinkle sunflower seeds on top for a crunchy and appetizing look.

Baking:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat) and bake the crescents for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and beautifully browned.
2. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They are best served warm!

Serving suggestions and combinations:
These cheese and mushroom crescents are excellent on their own or alongside a fresh salad. You can serve them with a yogurt or tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine pairs perfectly with the delicate flavors of cheese and mushrooms.

Possible variations:
- Substitute cow cheese with feta cheese for a saltier note.
- Add sliced olives to the filling for a more intense flavor.
- Use puff pastry for even flakier crescents.

Nutritional benefits:
These crescents are a good source of protein from cheese and mushrooms, and whole flour that you can use instead of white flour provides increased fiber intake. Olive oil is a healthy fat rich in antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast; make sure to follow the instructions on the package for quantity and activation.
2. What other fillings can I try?
You can experiment with goat cheese, spinach, or even cooked ground meat.
3. Can I freeze the crescents?
Yes, you can freeze the raw crescents before baking. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight container.

Unleash your creativity in the kitchen and enjoy every moment spent with loved ones, savoring these cheese and mushroom crescents! They are more than just a snack; they are a way to create delicious memories. Enjoy!