Boat and cow cheese braid

Cheese and raspberry boats: a fluffy and savory delight

If you are looking for a dessert recipe that combines the fluffy texture of perfectly risen dough with the sweetness of cottage cheese and fresh raspberries, you have come to the right place! These cheese boats are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, thanks to their unique shape. So, let's embark together on a cooking adventure and discover the necessary steps to prepare this dessert that will impress you.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5-10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 boats

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (we recommend type 000 flour for a fluffier dough)
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature for better incorporation)
- 70 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your taste)
- 270 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 20 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 50 g butter (melted and cooled to room temperature)
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla (a teaspoon or extract, according to taste)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for extra flavor)

For the filling:
- 300 g sweet cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 250 g Mascarpone cream (for a creamy texture)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- Vanilla (a teaspoon)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Fresh raspberries (as much as you like, it will give a delicious taste and a touch of freshness)

For finishing:
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparing the boats

1. Preparing the starter: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and a little lukewarm milk (from the total quantity). Add a tablespoon of flour and mix well. Let it rise for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms on top. This is an essential step to achieve a fluffy dough.

2. Mixing the ingredients for the dough: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until fluffy. Add the melted and cooled butter, lukewarm milk, salt, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix well.

3. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour and add the starter. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes non-sticky and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to make it too hard.

4. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour, until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, combine the sweet cottage cheese with the Mascarpone cream, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous and creamy composition. If desired, you can also add raspberries to the filling for a special flavor.

6. Forming the boats: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface, forming a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Use a glass to cut circles. On each circle, place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture and gather the edges to form boats.

7. Placing in the tray: Line a tart tray with butter and flour. Place the boats around the edges of the tray, leaving space between them. In the center, you can form two rosettes from the dough or add raspberries here and there to create a pleasant appearance.

8. Second rising: Let the boats rise in the tray for another 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C.

9. Finishing: Beat the egg and brush the boats with it to give them a golden color when baked. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until they are golden and fluffy. Check with a toothpick if they are baked inside.

10. Serving: After they have cooled slightly, dust the boats with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. They are delicious both warm and cold.

Useful tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use quality ingredients for the best results. The sweet cottage cheese should be fresh, and seasonal raspberries will provide a more intense flavor.
- Variations: You can add different types of fruits, such as strawberries or blueberries, according to your preferences. You can also experiment with various flavors, such as orange or almond essence.
- Serving: These boats pair perfectly with a cup of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional benefits

Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and adding raspberries not only enhances the taste but also increases the antioxidant and vitamin content. Overall, this recipe offers a relatively healthy dessert, ideal for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. For every 20 g of fresh yeast, use about 7 g of dry yeast.

How can I keep the boats fresh?
It is recommended to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

Can they be prepared a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the boats a day in advance and keep them in the refrigerator. Heat them slightly in the oven before serving to restore their fluffy texture.

These cheese and raspberry boats are more than just a dessert; they are a culinary experience that combines taste, appearance, and health. Try them and enjoy every bite!