Sweet Cow Cheese Pie

To prepare a delicious and crumbly pie, start by mixing the flour well with the baking powder. This combination will ensure a light and airy texture for the dough. Once the dry ingredients are homogenized, add the cold lard. Rub the lard between your palms with the flour to achieve a uniform consistency, similar to wet sand. This process is essential to incorporate the fat into the dough, which will contribute to the flakiness and crumble we seek in our pie.

Next, incorporate the sugar, eggs, and sour cream, mixing vigorously with a spatula or your hands to obtain a homogeneous dough. It is important for the dough to have a slightly greasy consistency; if you feel it is too dry, do not hesitate to add a little extra lard. This will improve the texture and make the pie more flavorful.

On the other hand, prepare the cheese filling by mixing the cheese with the egg, sugar, raisins, and lemon zest in a bowl. These ingredients combine perfectly, and the lemon aroma will add freshness to the filling. Once the filling is ready, divide the dough into two parts: one larger for the base and one smaller for the top.

Roll out the larger dough into a thin sheet and place it in the greased pan, making sure to cover all the corners well. Use a fork to prick the dough, preventing it from puffing up during baking. Sprinkle a uniform layer of breadcrumbs over the dough, which will absorb moisture from the filling and add a pleasant texture.

On top of the breadcrumbs, add the cheese mixture, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle breadcrumbs again to form a protective layer, which will help maintain the juiciness of the filling. What follows is to roll out the second part of the dough and cut it into strips, which you will arrange in a lattice pattern over the filling. This detail will not only add an attractive appearance but will also facilitate even baking of the pie.

Bake the pie at medium heat, monitoring its progress to ensure it browns evenly. When ready, take the pie out of the oven and, while it is still warm, generously dust it with powdered sugar. This final step will add a touch of sweetness and make the dish look even more appetizing. Allow the pie to cool completely in the pan before cutting it into portions, forming diamonds or squares. Served warm or at room temperature, this pie will be a delight for all who savor it.