Branzoici

Branzoici: The Baked Delight of Childhood

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15

Branzoici are a sweet treat that reminds us of the sunny days of childhood, when their inviting aroma filled the kitchen. These delicious pastries made from leavened dough, filled with cottage cheese and flavored with orange zest, are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Let’s discover together how to prepare them at home, step by step!

Ingredients:

- 1 kg flour
- 800 g cottage cheese
- 6 eggs
- Zest of one orange
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 350 g sugar (of which 200 g for the dough and 150 g for the filling)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 50 ml oil
- 100 ml lukewarm milk (not hot)

Preparing the Branzoici

Step 1: Activating the yeast
Start by crumbling the fresh yeast into 100 ml of lukewarm milk. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar over the yeast and mix gently. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms on the surface – this is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. On the edges, add the salt, 200 g sugar, oil, and the 3 eggs. In the center, pour the yeast mixture, and then start kneading the dough. Gradually add milk until you obtain an elastic dough that comes off your hands.

Practical tips: It is essential that the milk is lukewarm, not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. Also, to achieve a more flavorful dough, you can use milk with a higher fat content.

Step 3: Rising
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour, until it doubles in volume.

Step 4: Preparing the filling
In the meantime, prepare the filling from cottage cheese. In a bowl, add the cottage cheese, the remaining 3 eggs, the orange zest, 150 g sugar, and the two packets of vanilla sugar. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

Step 5: Forming the branzoici
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a sheet about 2 mm thick. Cut the dough into squares of 10x10 cm. In the center of each square, place a teaspoon of the cheese filling. Fold the corners of the square over the filling, forming a package.

Step 6: Baking
Place the branzoici on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them with a beaten egg to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden.

Serving and Suggestions

After removing them from the oven, let the branzoici cool slightly. They can be served warm or at room temperature. A delicious idea is to accompany them with a vanilla sauce or a cup of warm milk. You can also sprinkle them with a little powdered sugar for a more elegant appearance.

Variations and Tips

If you want to add a touch of innovation, you can experiment with different fillings, such as melted chocolate, fruit jam, or sheep cheese. You can also add some raisins or chopped nuts to the cheese filling for extra texture.

Nutritional Information

Each branzoici contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. They are a good source of protein from the cottage cheese and eggs, as well as carbohydrates from the flour, providing quick energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, keeping in mind that you need to rehydrate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. How do I store the branzoici?
You can store the branzoici in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

3. Can they be frozen?
Yes, the branzoici can be frozen. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in freezer bags.

Conclusion

Branzoici are a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines tradition with the delicious taste of cheese and orange. Whether you make them for yourself or for your loved ones, they are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. So, put on your chef’s apron and enjoy the cooking process, as every bite will be a sweet, unforgettable memory!