Dessert - Apple and cheese pie by Smaranda E. - Recipia
The perfect dessert to celebrate special moments or to bring a touch of joy to every day is undoubtedly the apple and cheese pie. This simple and delicious recipe combines the warm aroma of caramelized apples with the delicacy of cheese, offering an irresistible combination that will delight both family and friends. Get ready to discover a quick dessert that requires no advanced cooking skills but impresses with its sophisticated taste.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients for the dough:
- 130 g soft butter
- 130 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of half a lemon
- 4 egg yolks
- 200 g cottage cheese or fresh cheese
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 4 egg whites
- 50 g raisins
- 2 tablespoons rum essence
- 170 g flour

Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g apples (preferably tart apples)
- Juice of one lemon
- Powdered sugar and cinnamon for decoration
- Butter for greasing the pan

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the soft butter with 65 g of powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. Use a mixer on medium speed to obtain a creamy composition. This mixture will provide a rich flavor and a fine texture to your pie.

2. Adding wet ingredients: Gradually incorporate the egg yolks, cottage cheese, and sour cream, mixing well after each addition. The mixture should be smooth and lump-free.

3. Whipping the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. When they are almost ready, gradually add the remaining powdered sugar and continue mixing until you obtain a firm meringue. This will bring a fluffy texture to the pie.

4. Combining: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cheese mixture using a spatula to avoid losing the incorporated air. Add the raisins and rum essence for extra flavor.

5. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples and cut them into cubes. Drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent oxidation and add a note of freshness.

6. Assembly: In a buttered and floured pan, add half of the cheese mixture, then place the apple cubes on top. Cover with the remaining cheese mixture.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pie for 45 minutes, or until golden and firm to the touch.

8. Serving: Let the pie cool in the pan, then remove it and sprinkle powdered sugar and cinnamon on top before cutting. It is delicious both warm and cold and can be served with a spoonful of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast.

Practical tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a little grated nutmeg or cardamom to the cheese mixture.
- If you prefer a softer texture, you can use mascarpone cheese instead of cottage cheese.
- Experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or plums, to add a different note to your pie.

This apple and cheese pie is not only a quick dessert but also a wonderful choice to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Its delicious taste and attractive appearance will make every serving truly enjoyed. Savor the moment and enjoy every bite!
Dessert - Apple and cheese pie by Smaranda E. - Recipia

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