Cheese and caramel Easter bread

Cheese and caramel pasca: a reinvented traditional delight

Cheese pasca is a beloved recipe for many, with deep roots in holiday traditions. It is a dessert that brings together the flavors of fresh cheese and the sweetness of caramel, making it perfect for celebrating special moments with loved ones. We will explore this recipe together, providing you with details about ingredients, preparation techniques, and useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 60-70 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 30-40 minutes
- Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
For pasca:
- 180 g homemade cheese with raisins (from Covalact)
- 450 g cottage cheese with raisins and vanilla (Raraul)
- 450 g cottage cheese for pies and desserts (Raraul)
- 10 eggs (preferably homemade for a more vibrant color)
- 200 g raisins
- 300 g powdered sugar
- 1 vial of rum essence
- 250 ml liquid margarine (Unirea Experta) or melted regular margarine
- 100 g sour cream
- 100 g flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of baking powder

For the glaze:
- 200 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 50 g dark chocolate
- Chocolate flakes
- 50 g crushed walnuts (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by draining the cheese in a sieve about an hour before you begin preparing. This step is essential to remove excess liquid and avoid a wet pasca. Also, remember to prepare the raisins by soaking them in rum essence a few hours prior to hydrate and absorb the flavor.

Step 2: Beating the eggs
In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat them well until they become foamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and shiny meringue. This step will add volume and aeration to the mixture.

Step 3: Combining the ingredients
In another bowl, add the yolks, liquid margarine, cheese, sour cream, sifted flour together with the baking powder, and the hydrated raisins. Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Then, carefully fold in the beaten egg whites with sugar, mixing gently to avoid losing volume.

Step 4: Baking
Line a 30 cm baking pan with parchment paper. If using a 28 cm pan, you can reduce the number of eggs to 9. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Preheat the oven to low heat, then insert the pasca and bake for 60-70 minutes, checking occasionally with a toothpick. The pasca is ready when the top becomes golden and the toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5: Preparing the glaze
While the pasca is baking, you can prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, caramelize the sugar with the 2 tablespoons of water, stirring constantly. Once the sugar turns golden, extinguish it with 2 tablespoons of water. Add the cornstarch dissolved in milk and mix quickly. Finally, add the chocolate, stirring until completely melted. This glaze will add a touch of refinement to your dish.

Step 6: Final assembly
Once the pasca has cooled, remove the parchment paper and transfer it to a platter. Pour the warm glaze over it, leveling it with a spatula. Sprinkle chocolate flakes and crushed walnuts for an attractive appearance and a crunchy texture.

Practical tips:
- Choose quality ingredients: Fresh cheese and homemade eggs can make a significant difference in the final taste of the pasca.
- Check the oven: Every oven bakes differently; make sure to check the pasca periodically to avoid burning.
- Vary the flavors: You can add lemon or orange zest to the cheese mixture for a fresh citrus note.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use sweet cheese, but adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste.

2. How do I store the pasca?
The pasca keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for a few days. It can also be frozen for later consumption.

3. What can I do with leftover pasca?
You can transform leftover pasca into a delicious cheesecake or cheese pudding by adding a bit of milk and baking again.

Serving suggestions:
Cheese and caramel pasca is perfect served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Additionally, a glass of sweet wine or a fragrant tea can perfectly complement this delicacy.

Nutritional benefits:
This pasca contains protein from cheese and eggs, contributing to a balanced diet. Additionally, raisins are a source of fiber and antioxidants, adding extra nutritional value.

In conclusion, cheese and caramel pasca is not just a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to create memories with loved ones. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the preparation and experiment with your favorite flavors. Enjoy your meal!