Cheese and raisin pastries

Cheese and Raisin Pies - A Sweet and Aromatic Delight

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 12-15 pies

In culinary art, every recipe has a story. The cheese and raisin pie is a dessert that takes us back in time, evoking joyful moments from childhood and family gatherings. This simple recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a weekend meal to a special celebration. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Necessary Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 1 kg white flour (choose quality flour for a fluffy dough)
- 100 g sugar (you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- A pinch of salt
- Orange essence (about 1 teaspoon, to add a fresh taste)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dried yeast)
- 1 tablespoon margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 1 egg
- Warm water (about 200 ml, adjustable)

For the Filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained, ricotta can be used for a finer texture)
- 100 g raisins (soaked in warm water)
- 2 eggs
- Orange essence (optional, 1 teaspoon)
- Sugar to taste (depending on how sweet you want the filling)
- A bit of white flour (to bind the mixture, if necessary)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by placing the flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the sugar, salt, diced margarine, and egg. All these ingredients will provide a rich flavor and pleasant texture to the dough.

2. Activating the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until bubbles form, indicating that the yeast is active. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.

3. Mixing the Ingredients
Add the activated yeast to the center of the flour. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until a homogeneous dough forms. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little warm water.

4. Kneading the Dough
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. At the end, add a bit of oil to make it softer and shinier. After kneading, place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the Filling
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the eggs, sugar, and orange essence. If the cheese is too dry, you can add a bit of milk to achieve a creamier consistency. Add the drained raisins and mix well.

6. Forming the Pies
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Cut the sheet into squares of about 10 cm. In the center of each square, place a tablespoon of the cheese filling. Fold the corners of the squares to form a package. Make sure they are well sealed so they do not open during baking.

7. Baking the Pies
Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat an egg and brush each pie with a thin layer, adding a bit of sugar for a golden, shiny appearance. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pies for 25-30 minutes or until they become golden and fluffy.

Practical Tips

- Raisins: Soaking the raisins in warm water before adding them to the filling will make them juicier and prevent them from drying out during baking.
- Sweetening the Filling: Taste the filling before placing it in the pies. Add sugar according to your personal preferences.
- Variations: You can experiment with other types of cheese, such as feta or mascarpone, for a different flavor. You can also add flavors like vanilla or cinnamon for an extra touch.
- Serving: These pies are delicious both warm and cold. They can be served plain or with a portion of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy contrast.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of cheese and raisin pies contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the size of the pies. They provide a good source of carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the cheese, and antioxidants from the raisins. However, it is best to consume these treats in moderation due to their sugar and fat content.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour?: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the dough will have a different texture and will require more water.
- Can I make the pies in advance?: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance. Keep them in the fridge and let them come to room temperature before baking.
- What drinks pair well with these pies?: A fruit tea or a glass of warm milk are perfect to accompany these sweet pies. Additionally, a semi-dry white wine can add an elegant touch to a festive meal.

Now that you have the detailed recipe for cheese and raisin pies, it’s time to start cooking! This recipe is not only a culinary delight but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories with loved ones. Enjoy!