Cheese and apricot pastries

Cheese and Apricot Pastries: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Are you looking for a recipe that combines the delightful flavors of cheese with the sweetness of apricots? Then cheese and apricot pastries are the perfect choice! These pastries are not only quick to make but also incredibly tasty, making them ideal for a lavish breakfast or a sweet snack between meals. I invite you to discover this captivating recipe that will surely take you on a flavor journey.

Total preparation time: 50-60 minutes
Preparation time: 20-30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 12 pastries

Necessary Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg all-purpose flour
- 500 ml full-fat yogurt (or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 1 whole egg + 3 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons palm oil (or sunflower oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda (which can be replaced with baking powder)

For the filling:
- 200 g yogurt cheese (cottage cheese or ricotta are excellent alternatives)
- 200 g soft cheese (made from cow's milk)
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 5 apricots from a compote (or fresh apricots if you prefer)
- 50 g dried cranberries (for an extra touch of acidity and texture)

A Brief Story About Pastries

Pastries are a traditional dish in many cultures, often associated with festive occasions or family meals. Whether filled with meat, vegetables, or fruits, pastries have a unique ability to bring people together around the table. In this recipe, we've chosen to combine rich cheese with the sweetness of apricots, offering an explosion of flavors that will delight anyone who tastes them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, add all the ingredients for the dough: flour, yogurt, whole egg, egg whites, oil, salt, sugar, and baking soda. If you don't have baking soda, don't worry! You can also use baking powder by adding double the amount.

Practical tip: Dissolve the baking soda in a little lemon juice or vinegar (for example, red wine vinegar) to activate the chemical reaction. This will help the dough become fluffier.

Knead the dough vigorously for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This step is important as it allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the dough.

2. Preparing the Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt cheese, soft cheese, semolina, sugar, and diced apricots. Mix well to achieve a smooth filling. If you want an extra note of acidity and freshness, add the dried cranberries.

Personal suggestion: If you want a more flavorful filling, add a little vanilla extract or lemon zest for an extra kick.

3. Assembling the Pastries
Once the dough has rested, shape it into a cylinder and cut it into equal pieces. From each piece, form a small ball, which will then be rolled out with a rolling pin until it reaches a diameter of 8-10 cm.

Variation: An alternative method for forming the pastries is to roll out the dough into a large sheet and cut it into squares, continuing with step 4.

In the center of each dough circle, place a tablespoon of the prepared filling. Then, fold the edges of the dough to form a semicircle, ensuring they are well sealed.

4. Baking the Pastries
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the pastries on the tray, leaving a little space between them. After 5 minutes in the oven, brush the pastries with a beaten egg yolk for a delicious golden color.

Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden and fluffy. You will be greeted by an inviting aroma that will make you want to savor these pastries as soon as they come out of the oven!

Serving Suggestions
Cheese and apricot pastries are best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. They are delicious alongside natural yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You might want to pair them with a fruit tea or a flavored latte for a perfect breakfast or sweet snack.

Nutritional Information
One serving of pastries (approximately 1 pastry) has an average of:
- Calories: 250-300 kcal (depending on the ingredients used)
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, depending on your preferences.

2. Can I use different types of fruit?
Absolutely! Other fruits, such as peaches or apples, can be used to give the pastries a new dimension.

3. How can I store the pastries?
If you have leftover pastries, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze them to enjoy later.

Conclusion
Cheese and apricot pastries are an excellent choice for any time of day. This simple and quick recipe will delight your family and friends, surely becoming a favorite dish. Experiment and add your own variations to make this recipe unique and personal. Enjoy your pastries!