Branzoaice (Poale-n brau)

Branzoaicele, also known as Poale-n brâu, are a traditional delicacy that successfully combines the creamy taste of cottage cheese with the sweet aroma of raisins, all wrapped in a soft and fluffy dough. These pastries are perfect for a snack, a dessert, or even as a complement to a festive meal. The preparation of branzoici is an activity that brings joy and warmth to every home, and it will surely become a favorite recipe for your family.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 branzoici

Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500 grams of flour
- 2 eggs
- 200 ml of milk
- 25 grams of fresh yeast
- A pinch of salt
- 2-3 packets of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1-2 drops of vanilla essence
- 50 ml of oil

For the filling:
- 500 grams of cottage cheese
- 100 grams of raisins (you can also use dried fruit cubes for a different taste)
- 1 egg
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, sift the flour and add a pinch of salt. By doing this, you not only avoid lumps but also aerate the flour, which will help the dough become fluffier.

2. Gently warm the milk. It is very important for the milk to be lukewarm, not hot, as excessive heat can destroy the yeast. Add the yeast, vanilla essence, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest to the milk. Mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved.

3. Pour the yeast mixture over the flour and start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or with your hands. Continue mixing until the dough starts to thicken and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

4. Add the oil and knead the dough. This is the stage where you should let your hands get messy! Knead for about 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

5. Shape the dough into a ball, cover the bowl with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume. This process is important as it will determine the fluffy texture of the branzoici.

6. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the vanilla sugar, raisins, and egg. If you want a sweeter filling, feel free to add 2-3 extra tablespoons of sugar. This filling is the key to the success of the recipe!

7. Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin rectangular sheet. This is where you can be creative; if you wish, you can make the sheets thinner or thicker, depending on your preferences.

8. Cut each sheet into larger squares, then place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the squares toward the center, ensuring the filling is well sealed, and press gently to seal. This step is essential to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

9. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the branzoici on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. It is important to leave a little space between them, as they will puff up during baking.

10. Before placing them in the oven, brush each branzoică with a beaten egg to give them a golden color and an appetizing crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy. You will smell the delicious aroma of cheese and vanilla throughout the house!

11. After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly, then sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This is the perfect moment to enjoy them with a cup of hot tea or a glass of milk, turning every bite into a memorable experience.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the yeast is fresh and active. You can check this by adding a teaspoon of sugar to the milk along with the yeast; if it forms bubbles, it is ready to be used.
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Experiment with the filling! You can add chocolate, nuts, or other dried fruits to vary the taste of the branzoici.

Nutritional benefits:
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins, while raisins add fiber and antioxidants. These branzoici are a good choice for a healthy snack, but should be consumed in moderation as they can be calorie-dense due to the sugar and fats in the dough.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta, but make sure to adjust the amount of sugar based on how sweet the cheese is.
2. Can I freeze the branzoici? Yes, it is recommended to let them cool completely, then freeze them. You can reheat them in the oven when you want to enjoy them again.
3. What is the best way to store them? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep them longer, it is better to freeze them.

Branzoici are more than just a recipe; they are a culinary tradition that brings back memories of moments spent with loved ones. Try them and bring a touch of joy to every bite!