Brașov Pancakes

Brașov Pancakes with Cheese - A Traditional Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

I have always believed that cooking is an art form, and Brașov pancakes are certainly a masterpiece in themselves. These pancakes, filled with sweet cheese, flavored with citrus essences and a splash of rum, are perfect for serving at breakfast or as a dessert. They combine tradition with a refined taste, and preparing them can become a delightful family activity.

Ingredients for pancakes:
- 2 eggs
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 50 g sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Grated zest of one orange
- 20 ml cognac (or another preferred liqueur)
- Rum essence (a few drops)
- Flour (as needed)
- Still water
- Sparkling water
- Oil for frying (a few tablespoons)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 200 g fresh cottage cheese
- 100 g raisins
- 1 egg
- 50 g sugar (or to taste)

Step by Step: Preparing Brașov Pancakes

1. Preparing the pancake batter:
In a large bowl, crack the eggs and add the vanilla sugar, regular sugar, and lemon and orange zests. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. It is important for the sugar to dissolve completely to avoid unpleasant granules in the pancakes.

2. Adding the liquids:
Continue by adding the cognac and rum essence. These will add a deep and aromatic flavor to your pancakes. Gradually add the sparkling water, followed by the still water, mixing constantly.

3. Incorporating the flour:
Gradually add the flour, mixing with a whisk or spatula until you achieve a batter consistency similar to thin sour cream. It is essential not to make it too thick or too thin, allowing the pancakes to cook evenly.

4. Preparing the filling:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the egg, sugar, and raisins. If desired, you can also add a few drops of rum essence to enhance the flavor.

5. Frying the pancakes:
Heat a non-stick skillet with a little oil. Use a ladle to pour the batter into the skillet, forming thin pancakes. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Continue frying the pancakes until all the batter is used.

6. Filling the pancakes:
Place a tablespoon of the cheese filling on each fried pancake and fold them into a square or roll shape. Arrange them in a baking dish without greasing it, as the oil from the pancakes will prevent sticking.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pancakes for 15 minutes to combine the flavors and achieve a perfect texture.

8. Serving:
Serve the pancakes warm, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by sour cream or Greek yogurt. These will add a creamy and delicious note.

Practical Tips:
- Use fresh, quality cottage cheese to achieve a creamy filling.
- Raisins can be soaked in warm water or rum beforehand to make them softer and more aromatic.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar added to the filling.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
A serving of Brașov pancakes contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. These pancakes provide a good source of protein from the cheese, as well as vitamins from the citrus zests. The added sugar can be adjusted to suit your preferences, and replacing it with natural sweeteners can further reduce the calorie count.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone for a richer filling.
- What can I use instead of raisins? You can replace raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for an interesting texture.
- How can I store the pancakes? They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to reheat them in the oven to maintain their texture.

Personalized Version:
If you want to add a twist to this recipe, try adding a dash of cinnamon to the filling or using melted chocolate to transform them into a more decadent dessert. These Brașov pancakes with cheese are so versatile that they can be adapted to your tastes.

Drink Pairings:
These pancakes pair perfectly with a fresh citrus tea or a flavored cappuccino. If you want to add a festive note, a glass of sweet wine would perfectly complement this delight.

Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and let yourself be carried away by the aromas of this traditional recipe, which will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!