Cheese pancakes

Delicious Pancakes for Santa

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 20 pancakes

Every year, during the holiday season, our homes are filled with the aroma of joy and tradition. Cheese pancakes are a dessert that adds a touch of magic to every festive meal. Whether you're making them for Santa or for a family gathering, these pancakes are not only delicious but also easy to make. Let's discover together how to prepare them!

Ingredients for pancakes:

- 200 ml milk
- 400 ml sparkling water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Flour, as needed (approximately 300 g)
- 150 g butter (for melting)

Ingredients for cheese filling:

- 200 g cheese (preferably cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon rum essence

Preparation:

1. Melting the butter: Start by placing the butter in a non-stick pan and let it melt over low heat. It’s essential not to let it burn, so watch it carefully.

2. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter (let it cool slightly), milk, sparkling water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, lemon zest, vanilla sugar, rum essence, and eggs. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth mixture.

3. Adding flour: Add the baking powder and start incorporating the flour gradually until you achieve a batter the consistency of thick cream. It’s important not to overdo it with the flour; the pancake batter should be slightly thinner than pancake batter.

4. Baking the pancakes: Heat the pan where you melted the butter and, without adding more oil or butter, pour a ladle of batter. Cook the pancake for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden. Continue until you use up all the batter. You should get about 20 pancakes.

5. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, grate the cheese and mix it with the 2 tablespoons of sugar, lemon zest, vanilla sugar, egg, and rum essence. Mix well until you have a homogeneous mixture.

6. Filling the pancakes: Take a pancake and fill it with a portion of cheese filling. Fold the pancake in half or roll it up, according to your preference.

7. Preparing for the oven: Place the filled pancakes in a baking dish lined with parchment paper and greased with butter. Beat an egg and brush each pancake on top, then sprinkle the remaining sugar.

8. Baking in the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the pancakes for 10-15 minutes or until they become golden and slightly crispy on the edges.

9. Serving: Once the pancakes are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. You can dust them with sugar before serving for a festive look and extra sweetness.

Practical tips:

- Types of cheese: If you prefer a richer filling, you can add a bit of mascarpone to the cheese mixture. This will make the composition creamier.
- Flavoring: For an even more intense taste, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the filling.
- Serving: These pancakes are delicious served warm, alongside a scoop of sour cream or a berry sauce. A warm drink, such as fruit tea or spiced mulled wine, pairs perfectly.

Nutritional benefits:

These pancakes are a good source of protein from cheese and eggs, and the addition of lemon zest provides a boost of vitamins. Additionally, using sparkling water in the batter makes them lighter than traditional pancakes, making them an excellent choice for a light yet satisfying dessert.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary.
2. How can I store the pancakes? You can store the filled pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or in a pan to restore their crispy texture.
3. Can I freeze the pancakes? Yes, the filled pancakes can be frozen. Make sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When you want them, you can thaw them at room temperature and bake them again.

No matter the occasion, these cheese pancakes will not disappoint. Each bite will remind you of the warm and loving moments of the holidays. So, put on your festive clothes and get ready to impress everyone with this delicious recipe! Enjoy your meal!