Cheese Pastry

Cheese Pastry Recipe: A Traditional Delight for Holidays

Cheese pastry is a traditional dessert, full of flavors and symbolism, prepared for the Easter holidays. This recipe combines fluffy dough with a creamy cheese filling, offering a delicious taste that will delight everyone. So, get ready to bring a touch of magic to your kitchen!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 cube (25 g) fresh yeast
- 1 pinch of salt
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 3 tablespoons of lard or 50 g butter
- 2 egg yolks
- Zest of 1 lemon

For the filling:
- 500 g fresh cottage cheese
- 3 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sour cream
- 100 g sugar
- Pulp from 2 oranges

For brushing:
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by mixing the flour with salt, sugar, and lemon zest in a large bowl. This mixture will give a pleasant taste to the dough and add a note of freshness.

2. Activating the yeast:
Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step to achieve a fluffy and airy dough.

3. Combining the ingredients:
Add the activated yeast to the flour mixture, followed by melted lard (or butter), egg yolks, and gradually the milk. Knead well until you obtain a non-sticky dough that easily comes off your hands.

4. Rising the dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in volume. This is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the pleasant aroma of the yeast.

5. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with sugar and orange pulp. This ingredient will add a note of freshness and flavor to the filling. In another container, beat the sour cream with the eggs and add this mixture to the cheese, mixing well to obtain a homogeneous composition. Put the filling in the fridge to firm up a bit.

6. Forming the pastry:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a thin, round sheet. Place the dough in the baking tray lined with parchment paper, covering the sides as well. Prick the base with a fork to avoid air bubbles.

7. Adding the filling:
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of semolina on the base of the dough to absorb excess moisture from the filling. Then, add the cheese mixture and level it evenly. Cut off the excess dough from the edges, leaving only a small margin for decoration.

8. Finalizing the pastry:
Beat the 2 eggs with the vanilla sugar and pour the mixture over the filling. This will create a golden and delicious crust when baked.

9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and insert the pastry. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and firm to the touch.

10. Cooling and serving:
Let the pastry cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. It can be served warm or at room temperature, and a slice of pastry with a cup of milk or a fragrant tea will be a true indulgence.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the cottage cheese is well drained to avoid a too moist filling.
- You can experiment with other flavors by adding vanilla or spices like cinnamon for an additional note of flavor.
- If you want a fluffier pastry, try replacing some of the flour with whole wheat flour.

Nutritional benefits:
Cheese pastry is rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, and the addition of oranges provides an excellent source of vitamin C. It also contains carbohydrates from the flour, which provide quick energy. However, it is important to consume in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content.

Possible variations:
- Instead of oranges, you can use berries or raisins to add a note of natural sweetness.
- For a vegan version, try replacing the eggs with a mixture of banana and water or a plant-based product for sour cream.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use cottage cheese instead of fresh cheese?
Yes, cottage cheese offers a different texture but will work well in the recipe.

- How can I keep the pastry fresh?
Cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It can be consumed for a few days.

- Can I freeze the pastry?
Yes, the pastry can be frozen. Make sure it is well covered to prevent freezer burn.

Now that you have discovered this splendid cheese pastry recipe, don't hesitate to try it! I encourage you to add your personal touch and share the joy of this dessert with your loved ones. Cooking is an art, and the pastry is certainly a masterpiece that will bring smiles to the faces of those who savor it. Enjoy your meal!