Cheese pie

Cheese Pie - a delicacy that perfectly blends tradition and flavor! This simple and quick recipe is ideal for both family meals and special occasions. Cook with your heart and let your creativity shine!

Preparation time:
- Prep: 30 minutes
- Baking: 40-50 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- 1 package of phyllo dough (approximately 300g)
- 5 eggs
- 1 package of butter (approximately 250g)
- 250g telemea cheese (grated or crumbled)
- 200g sour cream
- 1kg sweet cheese (preferably cow's cheese)
- 250g sugar (or to taste)
- A pinch of salt

A bit of history
Cheese pie has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a beloved dish in many cultures. This recipe has been passed down through generations, evolving over time while preserving its delicious essence. In the past, housewives used fresh cheese made from cow or sheep milk and homemade phyllo dough. Today, this recipe can be adapted with various types of cheese and flavors, giving you the opportunity to add your personal touch.

Step by step: Preparing the cheese pie

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Start by grating the telemea cheese using a fine grater, or you can blend it in a food processor until it becomes a smooth paste. This will help integrate the cheese evenly into the mixture.
- In a large bowl, add the sweet cheese, telemea, eggs, sour cream, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients well with a whisk or spatula until you achieve a smooth mixture. Taste the mixture and adjust the sugar according to your preference.

2. Melting the butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. It is important not to let it boil, just melt completely. Once melted, let it cool slightly.

3. Preparing the baking dish:
- Choose a deeper baking dish suitable for the pie and brush it with melted butter using a pastry brush. This step will ensure that the pie doesn’t stick and will have a golden, crispy crust.

4. Assembling the pie:
- Place a first layer of phyllo dough in the baking dish. Brush each sheet with melted butter, then add another layer of sheets. Repeat this process three times, making sure to brush each sheet.
- After you have created the three layers, take a ladle of the cheese mixture and pour it evenly over the sheets. Continue to alternate layers of phyllo dough and cheese mixture until you finish all the ingredients. The last layer should be phyllo dough, which you will brush again with butter.

5. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat). Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown and beautifully golden on top.

6. Finishing:
- Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Before serving, dust powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance and a sweet taste.

Serving:
Cheese pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or accompany it with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess. A cup of herbal tea or a glass of natural fruit juice will perfectly complement this delicacy.

Helpful tips:
- Fruit variation: You can add some dried fruits or raisins to the mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- Types of cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Goat cheese or ricotta adds a distinctive flavor.
- Phyllo dough: If you enjoy making your own phyllo dough, don’t hesitate to try! Phyllo dough recipes are varied and quite easy to make.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use soy cheese for a vegan version?
- Yes, you can replace the sweet cheese and telemea with soy cheese or other vegan alternatives. Make sure to adjust the amount of sugar and salt to achieve the desired taste.

2. How long can the pie be stored?
- The pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving to restore its crispy texture.

3. Is it necessary to use eggs in the recipe?
- Eggs help bind the ingredients, but you can replace each egg with a ripe banana or a mixture of flaxseeds with water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water, left to sit for 15 minutes).

Nutritional benefits:
- Cheese: An excellent source of calcium and protein, cheese contributes to bone health and maintaining muscle mass.
- Eggs: Rich in protein and essential nutrients, eggs help in tissue growth and repair.
- Butter: Although high in calories, butter provides essential fatty acids that are important for the body's health, but consumption should be moderate.

Enjoy this cheese pie as a memorable moment in the kitchen! With every bite, you will feel the tradition and love passed down through this recipe. Whether you savor it with family or friends, your pie will surely become a favorite!