Cheese baskets

Cheese Baskets - An Unforgettable Delicacy

Cheese baskets are a dessert that brings together simplicity and refinement. They are perfect for any occasion, from a small gathering with friends to a family dinner or simply to indulge your taste buds. Moreover, the preparation process is quite simple, making them ideal even for beginners. Let's embark on this delicious recipe together!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 baskets

Ingredients needed for the dough:
- 400 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 egg
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- a pinch of salt

Ingredients needed for the filling:
- 300 g fresh cottage cheese
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons sour cream

For brushing:
- 1 egg (beaten)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step helps aerate the flour, making the dough lighter and fluffier. Add the baking powder, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix the dry ingredients to combine them evenly.

2. Adding wet ingredients: In the center of the flour mixture, add the sour cream and the beaten egg. Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients, gently kneading the dough until it becomes homogeneous. Be careful not to knead too much, as the dough should not be elastic, just moldable enough.

3. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the powdered sugar. Ensure that the cheese is fresh, as this will affect the final texture and taste of the baskets. Add the sour cream and continue mixing until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream.

4. Preparing the tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Take a muffin tray and line it with baking paper. This step is essential to prevent the baskets from sticking.

5. Forming the baskets: Tear small pieces from the dough and shape them into balls. Flatten each ball and place it in each compartment of the muffin tray, molding them to form a small basket. Ensure that the edges are higher to support the filling.

6. Filling the baskets: Add a tablespoon of the cheese cream into each basket. This is the moment when you can get creative; you can also add some raisins or pieces of fruit for extra flavor!

7. Decorating: Use thin strips of dough to create a lattice on top of the filling. This detail will not only look good but will also add an interesting texture.

8. Brushing: Using a kitchen brush, brush the baskets with the beaten egg. This step will give them a beautiful and appetizing color during baking.

9. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the baskets bake for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden and brown. Sit back and enjoy the aroma that will fill your kitchen!

10. Cooling: Once the baskets are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tray for 10 minutes. This will help stabilize their shape. After that, you can transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions: Cheese baskets can be served plain, but for an extra flavor, you can dust them with powdered sugar or accompany them with a berry sauce. Additionally, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup will make them even more delicious.

Possible variations: If you want to experiment, you can replace the cottage cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a different flavor. You can also add extra flavors, such as lemon or orange zest in the filling, for a fresh note.

Nutritional benefits: These baskets are a good source of protein from the cheese, and the sour cream adds a rich texture. Whole wheat flour could be a healthier choice, providing additional fiber. Moreover, sugar can be reduced for a healthier version.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use store-bought cottage cheese?
Yes, make sure it is fresh for the best results.

2. How long can I keep the baskets?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

3. How can I reheat the baskets?
You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes at 150°C to restore their crispy texture.

4. Is it possible to make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance, keeping it in the refrigerator. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent drying out.

In conclusion, cheese baskets are an excellent choice for any cooking enthusiast. With every bite, you will enjoy a perfect combination of crunchy and creamy, and each step in the preparation will bring you closer to an unforgettable delicacy. I wish you good luck in cooking and hope you enjoy these wonderful cheese baskets!