Cheese pastries

Today's dessert will bring the warmth and aroma of a pleasant memory, transforming into a culinary delight that you won't easily forget. I will talk about branzoici, fluffy pastries filled with sweet cheese that will delight your taste buds and fill your home with an irresistible fragrance. It is a quick and simple dessert to prepare, perfect for any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12-15 branzoici

A short story about branzoici

Branzoici are a traditional delicacy that has been part of many generations' meals, bringing together people and moments full of joy. These fluffy pastries have evolved over time, with each region having its own variant, but their essence remains the same: a delicate dough filled with sweet and fragrant cheese. Whether served at breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, branzoici are always welcome.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g melted butter
- 1 egg + 1 yolk
- 25 g fresh yeast or 1 packet of dry yeast
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- Grated lemon or orange zest (choose your preferred flavor)

For the filling:
- 500 g sweet cow cheese
- 2 egg yolks
- Sugar to taste
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Raisins (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Candied orange peels (for a surprising flavor)
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- + one yolk for brushing

Step by step: Preparing the branzoici

1. Activating the yeast
Start by activating the yeast. Rub 25 g of fresh yeast with a teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Then add 200 ml of lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and a tablespoon of flour. Mix well and let the starter rise for 10-15 minutes. If using dry yeast, add it directly to the flour according to the package instructions.

2. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour with 100 g of sugar, the egg, the yolk, the grated lemon or orange zest, and optionally a few drops of vanilla essence. Add the risen starter and mix well.
Gradually pour in the melted butter. Start kneading the dough with your hands, gradually adding the remaining milk. Continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands or the sides of the bowl. This process is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

3. Letting the dough rise
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for an hour, or until the dough doubles in size.

4. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, rub the 2 yolks with sugar and vanilla sugar. Add the sweet cow cheese and, if desired, the raisins and candied orange peels. Mix well, then add a tablespoon of semolina, which will help absorb moisture and keep the filling firm.

5. Shaping the branzoici
After the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a square or circle. In the center of each square, place a tablespoon of filling, then bring together the four corners, forming a small pouch. Ensure that the filling is well sealed to prevent it from leaking during baking.

6. Brushing and baking
Place the branzoici on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them with a beaten yolk to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the branzoici for 25-30 minutes, until golden.

7. Serving
After they have cooled slightly, dust them with sugar and serve them warm. Branzoici are delicious both plain and alongside a cup of yogurt or vanilla ice cream.

Useful tips

- Flavors: You can experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a touch of warmth.
- Chocolate variant: Instead of cheese, you can use a chocolate filling or chocolate cream for a decadent version.
- Freezing: Branzoici can be frozen. Bake them, let them cool, then store them in a freezer bag. When you want to serve them, you can bake them again to restore their fluffiness.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta, but adjust the sugar according to how salty the cheese is.

2. What do I do if the dough doesn't rise?
Check if the yeast is active, ensuring that the milk is lukewarm and not hot. If the yeast is not fresh, try again with new yeast.

3. How can I make branzoici lower in calories?
You can use low-fat cheese and replace the butter with a healthy oil or applesauce.

Conclusion

Branzoici are a dessert that combines tradition with taste and comfort, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat your family, these fluffy branzoici will surely become part of your favorite recipes. Try them and let them surprise you with their delicious aroma and soft texture, and each bite will be an explosion of joy. Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends!