Cheese Pie with a Smile

Zamboareata Cheese Pie - A Sweet and Fun Delight

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8 servings

Zamboareata Cheese Pie is a traditional recipe, full of flavor and joy. This pie is not just a dessert, but also a vivid memory of childhood, evoking moments of happiness and family gatherings. The sweet cheese combined with raisins and a splash of rum essence creates a delicious filling, while the soft and fluffy dough perfectly complements this dish.

Ingredients needed:

*For the dough:*
- 1 kg flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 50 g butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 250 ml warm milk
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- a pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 500 g sweet cheese (cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 100 g raisins (ideally golden)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tablespoons of rum essence

Useful tips for ingredients:

- Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh. If in doubt, you can do a simple test: add a cube of yeast to warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. If it foams in a few minutes, it is active.
- Cheese: Choose quality cheese, as the taste of the pie depends heavily on the filling. A creamier cheese will provide a more pleasant texture.
- Raisins: Soaking the raisins in rum essence will give them an intense and aromatic flavor, but you can also use other flavors, such as vanilla, if you prefer.

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the dough: In a suitable bowl, add the warm milk and the cube of yeast. Stir gently until the yeast completely dissolves. This mixture will activate the yeast, giving the dough a fluffy texture.

2. Adding dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour and add salt, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well to combine evenly.

3. Combining ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the milk and yeast mixture. Add the beaten eggs and melted butter. Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes elastic and homogeneous. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour.

4. Letting it rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling: In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the sweet cheese with the egg, sugar, and raisins soaked in rum essence. Make sure the mixture is well homogenized.

6. Forming the pie: After the dough has risen, divide it into 3 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin sheet, using flour to prevent sticking. Spread the cheese filling evenly on each sheet, then carefully roll the sheets.

7. Preparing for baking: Place the rolls in a floured baking tray, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion. You can gently twist the ends to seal them.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the pie for 30 minutes or until it turns golden and beautifully browned.

9. Finishing: After removing the pie from the oven, let it cool slightly, then dust it with powdered sugar. This will add an elegant touch and enhance the sweetness.

Serving suggestions: Zamboareata Cheese Pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for a contrast of textures and temperatures. A cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this culinary experience.

Possible variations: If you want to experiment, you can add ingredients like chocolate or fresh fruits (for example, apples or pears). Also, for a more flavorful pie, you can try various essences such as lemon or orange.

Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of Zamboareata Cheese Pie contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of protein from cheese and eggs, while the raisins add fiber and antioxidants. Consumed in moderation, it can be a pleasant and satisfying snack.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use salty cheese? It is recommended to use sweet cheese, as the salty taste would alter the sweet flavor of the pie.
- How long can it be stored? The pie keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered, to prevent drying out.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the pie can be frozen. It is advisable to portion it before freezing and let it thaw at room temperature before baking it again.

Now it's time to start cooking and bring a touch of joy to your kitchen with this Zamboareata Cheese Pie! Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this recipe will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!