Cheese and raisin pie

Cheese and Raisin Pie - A Classic and Flavorful Delicacy

Who doesn’t love a cheese and raisin pie? This dessert, with its fluffy dough and creamy filling, has won the hearts of many over time. It is a versatile dish, ideal for breakfast or as a sweet snack, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. So, let’s discover together how to prepare this delicious pie!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 600-700 g flour
- 15 tablespoons milk
- 15 tablespoons oil
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 packet ammonia (found in baking supply stores)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar

For the cheese filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 1 bag of raisins (about 150 g)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 250 g sugar
- 5-6 eggs
- 1/2 packet vanilla pudding
- 1 vanilla essence

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a pot, mix the sugar and vanilla sugar with the milk. Place the mixture over low heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. It’s important not to let the milk boil too much, just enough for the sugar to melt. After it cools slightly, let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid cooking the ingredients added later.

Once the milk has cooled, add the oil and the baking powder mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar. Mix well.

Pour the mixture over the flour and knead well until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It should be elastic and easy to handle. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.

Step 2: Preparing the cheese filling
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar (including vanilla sugar) until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. Add the vanilla pudding and vanilla essence, continuing to mix well.

Add the cottage cheese, making sure it is well-drained, and blend everything with a mixer for about 5 minutes. Finally, incorporate the raisins, which will add a sweet taste and pleasant texture to the pie.

Step 3: Assembling the pie
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out the first part of the dough to the size of the baking tray you are using (preferably 30x40 cm). Place the dough in the tray, making sure it fits well.

Pour the cheese filling over the dough in the tray, distributing it evenly. Then, roll out the other half of the dough and place it on top of the cheese filling.

Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the pie in the oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes or until it becomes golden and well-baked.

Tips for perfect baking:
- Monitor the pie in the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid burning. If it browns too quickly, you can cover the pie with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Finishing and serving
After the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Cut into generous portions, and each slice will reveal the delicious layers of dough and the cheese filling with raisins.

Serving suggestions
This cheese and raisin pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a berry sauce, which will add a hint of freshness. A cup of tea or coffee will also pair wonderfully!

Possible variations
To give your pie a twist, you can try adding lemon or orange zest to the cheese filling for an extra flavor boost. You can also replace the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts to diversify the taste.

Nutritional benefits
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, and eggs provide a significant amount of vitamins. Raisins, on the other hand, are rich in antioxidants and minerals, making them a healthy choice for your desserts.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or goat cheese, but make sure they are well-drained to avoid making the filling too runny.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its fluffy texture.

3. Is it possible to freeze the pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking it. Make sure to cover it well to prevent excessive freezing. Bake it directly from the freezer, but it will require a longer baking time.

This cheese and raisin pie is not just a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together. So, don’t wait any longer! Get your hands busy and enjoy the aroma and flavor of this classic dish. Enjoy your meal!