Cheese and raisin pie

Cheese and Raisin Pie Recipe: A Delightful Treat That's Easy to Make

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Let’s embark together into the delicious world of pies! This cheese and raisin pie recipe is not only simple but also extremely tasty, making it a perfect choice for any festive meal or as a delightful dessert after dinner. With a crispy layer of pastry and a creamy cheese filling, this pie is sure to win the hearts of everyone who tastes it.

A Brief History

Pies have a long and fascinating history, being made in various forms and with different fillings throughout time. They are often associated with moments of celebration and conviviality, bringing people together around the table. Cheese and raisins are traditional ingredients that add a touch of sweetness and a pleasant contrast of textures, turning each bite into an unforgettable experience.

Ingredients

- 500 g cottage cheese (can be replaced with goat cheese or ricotta)
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 4 eggs
- 100 ml whipped cream
- 200 g raisins
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 150 g sugar
- 1/2 pack margarine (about 125 g)
- 1 pack pastry sheets (about 400 g)
- Rum essence (optional)

Necessary Utensils

- A large mixing bowl
- A spatula or fork
- A baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm)
- Baking paper (optional)
- A kitchen brush for greasing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

1. Thawing the pastry sheets: Take the pastry sheets out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. It is important that they are completely thawed to avoid tearing during handling.

2. Preparing the raisins: Place the raisins in a small bowl and cover them with warm water. Add a few drops of rum essence, if desired, to give them an aromatic flavor. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes, then drain well.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

3. Mixing the cheese: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Use a spatula or fork to mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

4. Adding wet ingredients: In the same mixture, add the eggs, sour cream, and whipped cream. Mix gently until all ingredients are completely integrated. If desired, add grated lemon zest for extra flavor.

5. Incorporating the raisins: Add the drained raisins to the cheese filling and mix again to distribute them evenly.

Step 3: Assembling the Pie

6. Preparing the tray: Grease a baking tray with margarine or line it with baking paper to prevent sticking.

7. Maintaining the sheets: Melt the remaining margarine and prepare to grease the pastry sheets. Cut each sheet in half to have smaller portions to work with.

8. Assembling the pie: Place the first half of the pastry sheets in the tray, greased with margarine, as a base. Make sure each sheet is well greased before adding the next one.

9. Adding the filling: Pour the cheese and raisin filling over the first half of the sheets. Distribute evenly to ensure even baking.

10. Finalizing the pie: Place the remaining pastry sheets over the filling, also greasing them with margarine.

Step 4: Baking

11. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium temperature).

12. Baking the pie: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pie for 30 minutes or until the sheets become golden and crispy.

13. Cooling: Once the pie is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes. This will make cutting easier.

14. Serving: Dust the pie with powdered sugar for an elegant look and serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce!

Practical Tips

- Variations: If you want to experiment with flavors, you can add some chopped nuts or almonds to the filling for extra crunch.
- Sweetening: Adjust the amount of sugar to your personal taste. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Serving: This pie goes perfectly with a fruit tea or a sweet white wine, which will complement the delicious flavors of cheese and raisins.

Nutritional Benefits

Although the cheese and raisin pie can be considered a dessert, it also offers nutritional benefits. Cottage cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins, while raisins provide fiber and antioxidants. When consumed in moderation, this delicacy can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can other types of cheese be used?
Yes, cottage cheese can be replaced with ricotta, goat cheese, or even feta cheese for a more intense flavor.

2. Can I use whole grain pastry sheets?
Yes, whole grain pastry sheets are a healthier option, providing fiber.

3. How long does the pie last?
The pie can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days, or it can be refrigerated for a longer duration.

4. Can the pie be frozen?
Yes, the pie can be frozen after it has been baked. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

This cheese and raisin pie recipe is not only simple and quick but also extremely versatile. Whether you prepare it for a festive meal or for a simple family evening, it is guaranteed to become a favorite. Don’t forget to customize your recipe with additions or variations as you please. Enjoy and feel free to share the final result!