Moldovan cheese pies

Name: Moldovan cheese pies
Ingredients: Dough ingredients: 500 g flour; 240 ml milk; a cube of fresh yeast; 2 eggs; 60 g butter; 90 g sugar; a pinch of salt; essence to taste. Filling: 350 g well-drained cottage cheese; 150 g sugar; 1 egg; lemon zest; 1 egg yolk + 2 tablespoons of milk (for brushing).

Pasta/Pizza - Moldovan cheese pies by Ileana M. - Recipia

Cheese Branzoaice: A Recipe with a Taste of Childhood Preparation time: 30 minutes Rising time: 1 hour Baking time: 35-40 minutes Number of servings: 12-15 branzoaice Branzoaice are a delicacy that brings sweet memories from childhood, a symbol of kindness and warmth from the family home. These small pastries are filled with sweet cheese and have a fluffy and soft texture, perfect for enjoying at breakfast or as a snack between meals. Let's see together how we can recreate this delicious recipe, step by step. Ingredients For the dough: - 500 g flour (preferably type 550, for better texture) - 240 ml warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) - 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast) - 2 eggs (medium size) - 60 g butter (melted but not hot) - 90 g sugar - A pinch of salt - Vanilla essence or lemon zest to taste For the filling: - 350 g cottage cheese (well-drained and soft) - 150 g sugar (can be adjusted to taste) - 1 egg - Zest of one lemon - 1 egg yolk + 2 tablespoons of milk (for brushing) Step by step Step 1: Preparing the yeast In a deep bowl, sift the 500 g of flour to remove any lumps. In another container, mix the yeast with 2 tablespoons of warm milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on top - this is a sign that the yeast is active. Step 2: Rising the dough Pour the yeast mixture over the flour. Gently mix, then cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial to allow the yeast to activate and help the dough rise. Step 3: Forming the dough After the yeast has risen, add the remaining milk, eggs, sugar, salt, and essence. Use a spoon to mix the composition well. Then, add the melted butter and continue mixing. If you feel the dough is getting too sticky, don't hesitate to add a little more flour. Step 4: Kneading the dough Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes soft, elastic, and no longer sticks to your hands. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for an hour in a warm place until it doubles in volume. Step 5: Preparing the filling Meanwhile, prepare the cheese filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with 150 g of sugar, 1 egg, and lemon zest. Make sure the cheese is well-drained; otherwise, the filling may be too wet. Step 6: Forming the branzoaice Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a square sheet. Cut it into squares of about 10 cm. On each square, place a teaspoon of the cheese filling. Then, fold the opposite corners of the square to form a small pouch. Step 7: Baking Place the branzoaice on a greased baking tray, ensuring enough space between them to expand. Using a brush, glaze each branzoaică with the egg yolk mixed with the 2 tablespoons of milk for a golden and shiny crust. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the branzoaice for 35-40 minutes or until they turn beautifully golden brown. Serving and variations These delicious branzoaice can be enjoyed warm, alongside creamy yogurt or with a cup of warm milk. If you want to give them an even special touch, try dusting them with powdered sugar after baking or serving them with a vanilla sauce. You can experiment with various fillings: feta cheese with dill, chocolate, or berry jams. Each variation offers a unique culinary experience that can evoke different memories. Nutritional benefits These branzoaice are a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese, and the eggs contribute to the intake of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the butter adds a rich flavor, but don’t overdo the portions, as each branzoaică has about 180 calories, depending on the chosen filling. Frequently asked questions 1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but adjust the amount to 7 g. Mix it directly with the flour. 2. How can I store the branzoaice? Keep the branzoaice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can freeze them for later consumption - make sure they are completely cooled before freezing. 3. What drinks pair well with branzoaice? They pair excellently with fruit tea or creamy cappuccino, but also with a sweet white wine if you want to serve them on a special occasion. Personal note This branzoaice recipe evokes memories from my childhood when my mother would prepare these delights for us on weekends. Each bite brings not only a delicious taste but also a touch of nostalgia. I encourage you to bring a little of your heart into every branzoaică you prepare. Cooking is an art that connects us with our loved ones, so enjoy every moment! I wish you happy cooking and bon appétit!

Moldovan cheese pies

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