Cheese pastries

The perfect dessert for moments when you want to treat your family and friends is undoubtedly the branzoaica. This cheese delicacy, wrapped in a fluffy dough, is not only delicious but also an easy-to-make recipe that will fill your home with enticing aromas. I will present you with a detailed recipe that includes useful tips, variations, and even a few personal stories to inspire you in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours
Number of servings: 12 branzoaicas

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 550 g flour
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons melted and cooled butter
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- grated zest of one lemon

For the filling:
- 400 g sweet cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 1 egg
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- vanilla sugar
- grated zest of one lemon
- rum essence (optional)

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough
Start by dissolving the yeast in the lukewarm milk, along with a tablespoon of sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast, and your dough will rise perfectly.

Tip: Make sure the milk is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature is around 37-40 degrees Celsius.

2. Combining the ingredients
Sift the flour into a large bowl and make a well in the center. Pour in the frothy yeast and mix a little. Then add the other ingredients: egg yolks, melted butter, oil, the remaining sugar, salt, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Then place it in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour and a half.

Personal trick: If you want to speed up the rising process, you can preheat the oven to 50 degrees Celsius, then turn it off and place the dough inside, covered with a towel. It will rise quickly!

3. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Use a hand blender to mix the sweet cheese with the egg, sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, and rum essence (if you choose to use it). Make sure the filling is smooth and homogeneous, without lumps. If you like, you can also add raisins soaked in rum essence, but if your loved ones are not fans, they can be omitted without issues.

4. Shaping the branzoaicas
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface and cut it into large squares, about 10 cm. On each square, place a tablespoon of the prepared filling. Gather the corners of the square and seal them well, forming a little pouch. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.

Let them rise again for 20 minutes, covered with a towel.

5. Baking
Before placing them in the oven, prepare the brushing mixture from the egg yolk and the 2 tablespoons of milk. Brush each branzoaica with this mixture and sprinkle sugar on top for a crispy effect.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the branzoaicas for 25-30 minutes or until they become golden and nicely browned.

6. Cooling and serving
As soon as you take them out of the oven, cover them with a damp towel to retain moisture and keep them soft. Let them cool slightly before dusting with sugar.

Serving suggestion: These branzoaicas are excellent warm, but also at room temperature. You can serve them with a fragrant tea or even a glass of milk for a delicious breakfast.

Nutritional Information (approximate for one branzoaica)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g

Recipe Variations
- Chocolate branzoaicas: Add some chocolate chips to the cheese filling for a decadent taste.
- Fruit branzoaicas: Replace the sweet cheese with a filling of fresh fruits or fruit jams.
- Nut branzoaicas: Add ground nuts to the filling for a crunchy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese?
Yes, but make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid a watery filling.

2. How can I store the branzoaicas for a longer time?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. Can I replace fresh yeast with dry yeast?
Yes, you can use 1 packet (7 g) of dry yeast. Follow the same steps for activating it.

This branzoaica recipe will bring you not only joy in the kitchen but also unforgettable moments with your loved ones. So don't hesitate to try this recipe and enrich it with your own variations! Enjoy!