Cheese pastries (with homemade dough)

Name: Cheese pastries (with homemade dough) - Niculina I.
Ingredients: For the dough: 400g cow cheese; 400g butter or margarine; 400g flour; salt (the idea is that all ingredients are used in equal quantities). For the filling: cow cheese with sugar and egg or telemea cheese and egg; it depends on what type of filling you want: salty or sweet (I made it with cow cheese).

Doughs and pastries - Cheese pastries (with homemade dough) by Niculina I. - Recipia

Cheese Pastries – a classic, beloved, and versatile recipe, perfect for any occasion! These pastries are ideal as an appetizer at a party, a snack during the day, or even as a savory breakfast. I will present you with a detailed recipe that will guide you step by step, ensuring you achieve a perfect result every time. Let's start the culinary adventure! Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooling time: 1-24 hours Baking time: 20-25 minutes Total: 50-55 minutes (excluding cooling time) Number of servings: 20-24 pastries Ingredients For the dough: - 400 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained) - 400 g butter or margarine (use butter for a richer taste) - 400 g flour (you can use white flour or a combination with whole wheat flour for a healthier option) - A pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon) For the filling: - 400 g cottage cheese (for sweet filling, you can add: 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 egg) - Or 400 g telemea cheese (for savory filling, add 1 egg to bind the ingredients) A Brief History of Pastries Pastries have a long history, being made in various cultures around the world. They are a perfect example of versatile food that can be filled with various ingredients, from cheese, meat, vegetables, or even sweets. The tradition of using dough to envelop fillings seems to have arisen from the necessity to preserve food and make it easier to transport. Whether we enjoy them at a party or as a quick snack, pastries remain a symbol of culinary comfort. Preparing the Dough 1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl or food processor, add the well-drained cottage cheese, butter (or margarine) at room temperature, flour, and salt. Mix the ingredients until you get a homogeneous and slightly sticky dough. What's the secret here? Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing! 2. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. You can also leave it overnight if you have time, which will improve the texture. This step is essential for achieving the perfect consistency when baking. Preparing the Filling 3. Sweet or savory filling: - For sweet filling: Mix the cottage cheese with sugar and the egg until it becomes a homogeneous mixture. You can also add vanilla essence for an even more aromatic taste. - For savory filling: Mix the telemea cheese with the egg, mashing the cheese with a fork to achieve a finer texture. Forming the Pastries 4. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has chilled, take it out and roll it out on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a thin sheet of about 3 mm. Don’t worry if the dough becomes sticky; sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. 5. Cutting squares: Use a knife or a pastry cutter to cut out squares of dough, each measuring 7-10 cm. Make sure all squares are of equal size for even baking. 6. Filling the pastries: Place a teaspoon of filling on one edge of each square of dough. Bringing the edge without filling over the one with filling, you form a triangle. Use a fork to press the edges, sealing the filling inside. Baking 7. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Arrange the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion. 8. Baking: Bake the pastries for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy. If you want an even browner crust, you can brush them with a beaten egg before putting them in the oven. Serving 9. Enjoying the pastries: Once ready, let them cool slightly on a rack. The pastries can be served warm or at room temperature. They are perfect to be accompanied by a garlic yogurt sauce or a fresh salad. Useful Tips - Variations of filling: You can experiment with different fillings, such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach with feta cheese, or even sweet fillings with apples and cinnamon. - Dough: If you want an easier option, you can use store-bought puff pastry, but nothing compares to homemade dough! - Storage: Pastries can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for later use. When you want them, you can bake them directly from the freezer, extending the baking time by a few minutes. Frequently Asked Questions - Can I use store-bought cottage cheese? Of course! Make sure it is well-drained to avoid a too-wet dough. - What can I do with leftover dough? You can use it to make mini tarts with various fillings or you can keep it in the freezer. - Can I make larger pastries? Yes, but keep in mind that the baking time will be longer. These cheese pastries are not only delicious but also very versatile, and the recipe can be adapted to your tastes. So don’t hesitate to experiment and bring a bit of your personality into every dish. Enjoy!

Category: Doughs and pastries Author: Niculina I. Views: 1 Date: 05.10.2024

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