Cheese pastries

Delicious Branzoaice Recipe - A Family Delight

Branzoaice are a dessert that combines tradition and innovation in every bite. They have been enjoyed by generations and continue to delight the taste buds of many. With a soft texture and a rich cheese filling, this quick dessert is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a dessert. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece!

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 12-15 branzoaice

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 250 ml sweet milk (preferably at room temperature)
- 50 g butter (melted but not hot)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons raw sugar (you can also use white sugar, but raw sugar will give a more authentic taste)
- A pinch of salt
- 700 g flour (you can use medium gluten wheat flour)
- 5 g dry yeast (or 15 g fresh yeast)

For the cheese filling:
- 400 g fresh cottage cheese (make sure it is well drained)
- 100 g raw sugar (or to taste)
- A handful of raisins (if desired, you can soak them in warm water or rum to enhance their flavor)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for a fresh taste)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)

For brushing and dusting:
- 1 egg (beaten)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by adding the ingredients to the dough machine in the specified order. First, pour in the milk, then the melted butter, sour cream, eggs, sugar, salt, flour, and yeast. If you don’t have a dough machine, you can mix the ingredients by hand, but the machine will help you achieve a more homogeneous and well-kneaded dough.

Step 2: Kneading
Set the kneading program of the machine and let it work for 10-15 minutes. The dough should become elastic and pull away from the sides of the bowl. Once the program is finished, remove the dough onto a floured surface.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
In a bowl, crumble the cottage cheese with a fork. Add the eggs and sugar and mix well. Finally, incorporate the raisins and grated lemon zest. Let the filling sit aside to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Forming the branzoaice
Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll each part into a sheet about 1 cm thick. Use a knife or a cutting tool to create equal-sized squares. Place a tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center of each square and fold the opposite corners diagonally to form a package. Even if the filling spills out slightly, don’t worry; this will contribute to the rustic look of your branzoaice.

Step 5: Rising and baking
Place the branzoaice on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving 2-3 cm of space between them. Brush them with the beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the branzoaice for 45-50 minutes until they are golden and fluffy.

Step 6: Finishing
After baking, remove the branzoaice from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look and sweet taste.

Practical tips:
- Flour: Choose a quality flour to achieve a fluffy dough. High-gluten flour will help develop a better structure for the dough.
- Raisins: If you prefer a filling without raisins, you can replace them with small pieces of chocolate or even dried fruits.
- Flavors: You can experiment with flavors by adding vanilla essence or cinnamon to the cheese filling for a deeper taste.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each branzoaică has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used. They are a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs and can provide energy due to the carbohydrates in the flour.

Delicious pairings:
Branzoaice go wonderfully with a cup of flavored tea or coffee. You can try serving them with a berry sauce or vanilla ice cream for a more elaborate dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I prepare the dough a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance, keep it in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature before using it.
2. How can I store the branzoaice?
Branzoaice can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature or you can freeze them for later use.
3. What type of cheese can I use?
You can use cottage cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese, depending on your preferences.

You can personalize your recipe by adding ingredients you like, and the result will surely be one that your family and friends will love. Happy cooking!