Cheese and raisin pie

Cheese and Raisin Pie - a sweet and fluffy delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Cheese and raisin pie is a classic dessert that combines the sweet flavors of raisins with the creamy texture of cheese. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from a simple afternoon snack to an elegant dessert for a special dinner. It is a recipe that evokes family memories and moments of joy, and today I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result.

History of Cheese and Raisin Pie

This pie has deep roots in culinary traditions, being prepared over time in various versions, depending on the available ingredients and regional preferences. Cheese, a staple ingredient in many cultures, pairs perfectly with the sweetness of raisins, offering a contrast of textures and flavors. It is a dessert that can be easily adapted, making it a versatile choice for every kitchen.

Ingredients

- 6 eggs (fresh, at room temperature)
- 6 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 300 g sugar (preferably fine sugar for easier dissolving)
- 10 tablespoons of water (for making the syrup)
- 300 g flour (sifted, for a fluffy texture)
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 500 g fresh fatty cheese (you can use cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 150 g raisins (ideally of high quality)
- Vanilla essence (for an extra flavor)

Preparing the Cheese and Raisin Pie

1. Preparing the Syrup: In a small pot, add the 300 g of sugar and the 10 tablespoons of water. Place the pot over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves. Let the syrup boil for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will add extra sweetness to your pie.

2. Beating the Egg Whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. It is important that your bowl and utensils are clean, free of any grease, to achieve perfect peaks. Gradually add the hot syrup while continuing to mix. This step will aerate and increase the volume of the egg whites.

3. Preparing the Egg Yolks: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with a pinch of salt and vanilla essence. Add half of the egg white mixture and gently mix. Gradually incorporate the oil, ensuring everything is well combined.

4. Flavoring: Add the lemon zest and juice, along with the baking powder. Mix well to combine the flavors.

5. Final Mixture: Fold the remaining egg whites into the yolk mixture. Take 10 tablespoons of this mixture and add it to the cheese, stirring gently to achieve a homogeneous texture.

6. Preparing the Raisins: Wash the raisins and sprinkle them with a little brandy. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes to intensify their flavor.

7. Mixing the Cheese: In a bowl, combine the cheese with the soaked raisins. Ensure the raisins are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.

8. Combining the Mixtures: In the remaining egg mixture, gradually add the flour, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid lumps.

9. Assembling the Pie: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a rectangular baking dish lined with parchment paper, pour 2/3 of the egg white mixture. Add the cheese and raisin mixture, then pour the remaining mixture over the cheese.

10. Baking: Bake the pie for about 45 minutes. For the first 20 minutes, keep the heat low, then increase it to medium to achieve a nicely browned crust. Check if the pie is done using a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the pie is baked.

11. Serving: After the pie has cooled slightly, dust it with powdered sugar. It is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast.

Practical Tips

- Make sure the cheese is well drained before using it in the recipe to avoid excess moisture.
- Raisins can be replaced with dried cranberries or even chopped nuts for a crunchy note.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the cheese mixture to enhance the flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

This pie contains protein from eggs and cheese, carbohydrates from flour and sugar, as well as antioxidants from raisins. It is a dessert that, when consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use cottage cheese?
- Yes, cottage cheese is an excellent alternative, but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess water.

2. How can I make the pie less sweet?
- You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 50 g or use natural sweeteners.

3. Can I freeze the pie?
- Yes, the pie can be frozen, but it is advisable to consume it fresh to maintain its texture.

This cheese and raisin pie is more than just a dessert; it is a cooking experience that brings family and friends together. Try it and enjoy the flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds!