Branzoici

Fluffy cheese and raisin pastries

I invite you to join me in the cooking adventure, where we will prepare fluffy pastries, a delicacy that combines tradition with enticing flavors. These pastries are perfect for brunch, a sweet snack, or even as dessert. I will share every step of the recipe with you, so you can achieve a perfect result, and the taste of these pastries will bring a smile to your face.

Preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 pastries

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 250 ml milk
- 150 g butter
- 2 eggs
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 500 g sweet cottage cheese
- 100 g raisins
- 4 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 2 eggs

For brushing the pastries:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1-2 tablespoons milk

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, rub the fresh yeast with a little sugar until it becomes liquid. Add 60 ml of warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it foams. This is a crucial step to ensure that the pastries will be fluffy and airy.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, heat the remaining milk (250 ml) and add the butter cut into cubes. Stir until the butter completely melts. Add the vanilla sugar and salt. Then, pour this mixture over the flour, add the activated yeast, and the two eggs. Start kneading the dough with your hands until it becomes elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

3. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes. The dough will rise and become fluffy, ready to be shaped.

4. Preparing the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar, eggs, raisins, and grated lemon zest. Make sure the filling is well combined and the sugar is completely dissolved. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste, but I recommend keeping a balance between sweetness and the salty flavor of the cheese.

5. Shaping the pastries: Once the dough has risen, divide it in two. Take one half and roll it out into a thick sheet about 1 cm thick. Cut the sheet into 6 equal pieces. In each piece, stretch the dough a bit, then make cuts in the shape of strips on one side. Place a tablespoon of cheese filling at the base of each portion and roll it with the smooth side towards the cut side, so that the strips come on top.

6. Second rising: Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 15 minutes. This will help achieve an airy texture.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Mix the egg yolk with the milk and brush each pastry with this mixture for a golden and shiny crust. Bake the pastries for 20 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

8. Serving: After baking, let them cool slightly, then dust them with powdered sugar for a special appearance. These pastries are delicious both warm and cold.

Helpful tip:
If you have time, you can let the pastries cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container. They will remain fluffy and delicious for up to 3 days.

Variations:
You can experiment with various fillings such as chocolate, fruit jam, or even nuts and cinnamon. Each variation will bring a unique touch to your pastries.

Combinations:
The pastries can be served with a cup of aromatic tea or a warm hot chocolate drink. Additionally, a natural yogurt with honey can perfectly complement this dessert.

Nutritional benefits:
These pastries contain protein from cheese and eggs, and raisins provide a source of fiber and antioxidants. Although they are a dessert, moderate consumption can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.
- What type of cheese can I use? Sweet cottage cheese is ideal, but you can also opt for ricotta or mascarpone for a creamier texture.

I hope this recipe for fluffy pastries brings you joy and delicious moments with your loved ones. Cooking is an art, and each dish is an opportunity to create beautiful memories. Enjoy!