Little bears with cheese

Cheese Bears - A Delicious and Playful Recipe for the Whole Family

Who doesn't love to bring a smile to the faces of their loved ones? With this cheese bear recipe, you'll not only prepare a delicious snack, but you'll also have fun in the cooking process. These little bites are fluffy, flavorful, and very versatile, suitable for breakfast as well as a snack during the day. Let's see how we can create these little culinary masterpieces.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 20 bears

Ingredients

- 250 g goat cheese or cow's cheese (choose a cheese with a slightly salty taste for an ideal result)
- 250 g butter (ideally at room temperature for easier incorporation)
- 2 eggs (we recommend using fresh eggs)
- 1 egg for brushing (to achieve a golden and appetizing crust)
- 400 g flour (you can use white flour or a combination with whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- Salt (to taste, considering the cheese is already salty)
- Spices: cumin, paprika, sesame, poppy seeds (choose your favorites or experiment with others)

A Brief History

Cheese bears are a dish that brings joy to both children and adults. This recipe is a reinterpretation of traditional pastry recipes, combining cheese with a simple dough to create a snack that blends textures and flavors. Such dishes are commonly found in many cultures, adapted with various fillings and shapes.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt. This step is essential to give flavor to the dough.
- Add the grated cheese (goat cheese or cow's cheese) and the diced butter. Use your fingers to knead the ingredients. You will achieve a sandy texture, similar to that of a crumbly dough.
- Add the two eggs and mix well until the dough becomes homogeneous. If you feel the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water.

2. Shaping the dough
- Sprinkle flour on a clean work surface and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1 cm. It is important not to make it too thin, otherwise the bears will not have the desired consistency.
- Use a bear-shaped cutter to cut out the dough. If you don't have such a cutter, you can improvise with a glass or another type of shape. Be creative!

3. Preparing for baking
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).
- Place the bears on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush each bear with beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Sprinkle your favorite spices and seeds on top. Cumin adds a special flavor, while sesame and poppy seeds provide a crunchy appearance.

4. Baking
- Bake the bears in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden. Be careful with them, as each oven bakes differently.

5. Serving
- Let the bears cool for a few minutes on a rack. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, as a delicious snack alongside a garlic yogurt dip or a fresh salad.

Useful Tips

- Vegetarian option: If you want to try a version without goat cheese, use feta cheese for a salty and delicious taste.
- Serving idea: These snacks are great for a children's party or a picnic. You can serve them with a tomato sauce or pesto to add extra flavor.
- Tricks for perfect dough: Make sure the butter is at room temperature, as it will incorporate better into the dough and provide a fluffier texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I replace goat cheese? Yes, you can use cow's cheese or any preferred cheese.
- How can I make the bears less salty? Choose a cheese with low sodium content or reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Can I freeze the bears? Yes, you can freeze the bears before baking. Place them on a plate in the freezer, then transfer them to a plastic bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Benefits

These cheese bears are a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, and the butter gives them a rich texture and energy. You can include them in your diet as a healthy snack, but moderate the portions, considering the fat content.

Conclusion

Cheese bears are not just a simple recipe, but also a pleasant activity you can share with your loved ones. I encourage you to experiment and bring your own variations, perhaps with different cheeses or new spices. Prepare them, enjoy them, and cherish every moment spent in the kitchen!