Sweet heart-shaped pastries with cheese and strawberry sauce

Name: Sweet heart-shaped pastries with cheese and strawberry sauce - Ludmila H.
Ingredients: For the base: 4 eggs; separated; 120 g powdered sugar with vanilla flavor; 1 teaspoon orange essence; 1 teaspoon vanilla essence; grated zest and juice of 1 lemon; 120 g flour; sifted; 1 teaspoon baking powder; a pinch of salt. For the filling: 250 g Ricotta cheese; 100 g acacia honey; seeds from 1 vanilla pod; 1 packet (10 g) gelatin. For the sauce: 1 can (400 g) strawberries; 1 teaspoon orange essence; grated zest and juice of 1 lemon; cognac; for soaking the base; powdered sugar.

Dessert - Sweet heart-shaped pastries with cheese and strawberry sauce by Ludmila H. - Recipia

Sweet hearts with cheese and strawberry sauce Preparation time: 1 hour Baking time: 30-40 minutes Total: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes Number of servings: 8-10 servings A dessert recipe that combines the delicate flavors of cheese with the sweetness of strawberries, these sweet hearts with cheese are perfect for adding a touch of romance to any meal or special occasion. Inspired by culinary traditions that emphasize the use of natural and quality ingredients, this recipe is not only delicious but also a true feast for the eyes. Necessary ingredients *For the base:* - 4 eggs (separated) - 120 g powdered sugar with vanilla flavor - 1 teaspoon orange essence - 1 teaspoon vanilla essence - Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon - 120 g flour (sifted) - 1 teaspoon baking powder - A pinch of salt *For the filling:* - 250 g Ricotta cheese - 100 g acacia honey - Seeds from 1 vanilla pod - 1 packet (10 g) gelatin *For the sauce:* - 1 can (400 g) strawberries - 1 teaspoon orange essence - Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon - Brandy (for soaking the base) - Powdered sugar (for decoration) Preparation technique 1. Preparing the oven and the tray Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure you have a round baking tray with a diameter of 25 cm or a larger rectangular tray. Grease the tray with a little butter or oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. 2. Preparing the base In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form peaks. Use an electric mixer to achieve an airy consistency. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the powdered sugar, essences, lemon zest, and juice until you get a creamy and homogeneous mixture. Add the flour and baking powder to the egg yolk mixture and mix well. Finally, gently fold in the beaten egg whites using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture. 3. Baking the base Pour the obtained mixture into the prepared tray and bake for 30-40 minutes. Check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the base is ready. Once baked, let it cool completely. 4. Preparing the filling Soak the gelatin in 50 ml of cold water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the honey with the vanilla seeds and Ricotta cheese in a large bowl until it becomes a homogeneous mixture. Heat the gelatin slightly until it completely dissolves, then add it to the cheese mixture and mix well. Refrigerate the mixture until it begins to set. 5. Preparing the strawberry sauce Puree the canned strawberries along with the syrup, orange essence, lemon zest, and juice. This combination will add a note of freshness and acidity to your dessert. Once you have a smooth sauce, let it cool. 6. Assembling the dessert Once the base has completely cooled, cut out hearts using a heart-shaped cutter or a knife. For each serving, take two hearts. Soak each heart with brandy to add extra flavor. Place one heart on a plate, add 2 tablespoons of cheese filling on top, and cover it with the second heart, which you can dust with powdered sugar. Around the heart, pour the strawberry sauce to create an attractive presentation. Tips and tricks - Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving of sweet hearts contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the serving size and the ingredients used. Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. - Variations: You can substitute strawberries with other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, to experiment with different flavors. You can also add a bit of melted chocolate to the cheese filling for a more decadent taste. - Serving: This dessert pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of green tea to balance the sweetness. Frequently asked questions - Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can use cottage cheese or mascarpone, but the taste will be different. Ricotta provides a creamy texture and subtle flavor. - How can I make this dessert less sweet? Reduce the amount of honey and use fresh strawberries instead of canned ones, which can be sweeter. - Is this dessert suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using a vegan cheese substitute and plant-based gelatin. Surround yourself with loved ones and enjoy this dessert that will not only bring a smile to your face but also create unforgettable memories. Enjoy!