Kotanyi Baskets

Delicious baskets with creamy cheese and herb filling

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Who says gloomy weather can't be brightened up? Today, I invite you to prepare some savory baskets together, which will bring a splash of color and joy to less sunny days. These delicate crumbly pastries, filled with a rich cheese and herb cream, are perfect as an appetizer or snack for any occasion.

The history of these baskets is tied to the culinary tradition of combining textures and flavors, uniting them in attractive forms. Whether you prepare them for a dinner with friends or a family gathering, these baskets are sure to impress.

Before we start cooking, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients at hand:

Ingredients for baskets:
- 60 g cold butter, diced
- 60 g soft cheese (cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 1 tablespoon of white truffle flavored olive oil
- Approximately 100 g flour
- 1 fresh egg yolk

Ingredients for the cream:
- 100 g butter, at room temperature
- 60 g cottage cheese, well crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme Kotanyi
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper Kotanyi
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or sour cream (optional)
- 4-5 black olives, chopped
- 1/2 thin stalk of leek (green part), chopped

Ingredients for decoration:
- Pieces of red bell pepper
- Black olives
- Dried salami (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, combine the cold butter, soft cheese, white truffle flavored olive oil, egg yolk, and flour. Use a mixer or spatula to mix until you obtain a smooth dough.
2. Form the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crumbly and crispy texture.

Step 2: Shaping the baskets
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 3 mm.
3. Use a glass or a cutter to cut out large and small circles from the dough. These will form the base and edges of the baskets.
4. Place a large circle at the bottom of each muffin mold (no need to grease the pan) and use the small circles to form the edges, gently pressing with your fingers to adhere.

Step 3: Baking the baskets
1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the baskets are golden and crispy.
2. After baking, remove the tray from the oven and let the baskets cool for a few minutes before extracting them with a spoon, being careful not to crumble them.

Step 4: Preparing the cream
1. In a bowl, mix the soft butter with the cottage cheese, thyme, parsley, dill, and lemon pepper. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and fragrant cream.
2. Add the chopped olives and leek, stirring gently to distribute evenly. If you want an even richer cream, you can incorporate mayonnaise or sour cream.

Step 5: Filling the baskets
1. Fill each basket with the cold green cream using a teaspoon or a piping bag for a more elegant look.
2. Decorate the baskets with pieces of red bell pepper, black olives, or dried salami, as desired.

Useful tips:
- If you want a lighter version, you can replace the butter with a mix of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt.
- Experiment with various fresh herbs, such as basil or tarragon, to give the cream a unique flavor.
- The baskets can be served warm or cold, and the filling can be adapted according to your preferences or available ingredients.
- These baskets pair perfectly with a dry white wine or a fresh fruit cocktail.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
- Of course! Feta cheese or goat cheese can add an interesting touch.
2. How can I store the baskets?
- They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Warm them slightly before serving to restore their crispy texture.
3. Can I prepare the baskets in advance?
- Certainly! You can prepare the dough and cream a day in advance, and the baskets can be baked a few hours before serving.

These baskets with cheese and herb filling are more than just an appetizer; they are an explosion of flavors and colors, blending tradition with creativity. Enjoy your meal!