Cheese boats

Cheese and Sour Cherry Pastry Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Cheese and sour cherry pastries are a delight that blends tradition with innovation, bringing a touch of nostalgia in every bite. These fluffy pastries, filled with a fine cheese cream and a hint of sour cherries, are perfect for a sweet snack or a savory dessert at the end of a meal. The history of these delicacies takes us back in time when making sweets was a respected art, and every ingredient was chosen with great care. Here’s how you can make them right at home!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 350 g flour
- 3 eggs
- 50 g sugar
- 100 ml lukewarm milk
- 1/2 cube fresh yeast
- 50 g melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 vanilla essence
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For the filling:
- 400 g cottage cheese (you can use low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter version)
- 100 ml sour cream
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- Sour cherries from compote, drained
- 1 egg for brushing
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough
1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour.
2. Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk (not hot, otherwise it will kill the yeast) and add the sugar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it starts to bubble.
3. Pour the milk and yeast mixture into the well in the flour. Add the beaten eggs, salt, vanilla essence, and packets of vanilla sugar.
4. Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands in a circular motion until the dough starts to form.
5. Gradually add the melted butter, continuing to knead the dough. When it becomes non-sticky and elastic, it’s ready. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

Step 2: Let the dough rise
1. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Prepare the filling
1. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla essence until you obtain a smooth and creamy mixture.
2. Make sure the sour cherries from the compote are well-drained and pitted.

Step 4: Form the pastries
1. After the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide it into smaller pieces, then roll each piece into a thin disc.
2. Using a glass, cut circles from the rolled-out dough. On each circle, place a teaspoon of the cheese mixture.
3. Fold the circle into a boat shape, joining only two ends and leaving the top open.
4. Arrange the pastries in a round baking tray lined with parchment paper, starting from the edge to create a pleasing appearance.

Step 5: Bake
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Beat an egg and brush the pastries with a pastry brush.
3. Add the drained sour cherries on top of the pastries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. Bake the pastries in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they become golden and fluffy.

Step 6: Finishing
1. Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust them with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant look.

Serving and suggestions

Cheese and sour cherry pastries are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a cup of fruit tea or a strong espresso, and for an extra touch of flavor, vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce would add a note of refinement.

Useful tips

- Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better integration.
- Variations: You can replace the sour cherries with other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to add a variety of flavors.
- Dough: If you prefer a less rich dough, you can reduce the amount of butter or use sunflower oil.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of cheese and sour cherry pastries has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on size and ingredients used. These pastries are a source of calcium due to the cottage cheese and sour cream, while the sour cherries provide antioxidants. Additionally, they contain carbohydrates from the flour, providing the energy needed for an active day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Of course! Whole wheat flour will add a healthier note to your pastries, but you may need to adjust the liquid quantity.

2. How can I store the pastries?
You can store the pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them to enjoy later.

3. Can I make the dough a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Take it out an hour before using it to bring it back to room temperature.

This cheese and sour cherry pastry recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a pleasant cooking activity that will fill your home with delightful aromas. Happy cooking!