Cheese pies

Branzoaice – a traditional delight

In childhood, there was no holiday or family gathering without my grandmother's delicious branzoaice. These cheese-filled donuts are a true culinary treasure, a recipe passed down from generation to generation, bringing a touch of joy to every meal. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack, branzoaice are an unforgettable indulgence.

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 9 large branzoaice

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 teaspoon fresh yeast
- 250 ml lukewarm water
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oil
- About 700 g sifted flour

For the filling:
- 300 g cheese (cottage cheese or curd)
- 2 eggs
- Optional: 3 tablespoons sugar
- Lemon zest (for a sweeter version)

For frying:
- Lard or oil

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough: In a bowl, mix the fresh yeast with sugar, salt, and a little lukewarm water (about 50 ml). Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until the yeast starts to foam. This step is essential as it ensures the yeast is active and will help the dough rise.

2. Adding wet ingredients: Once the yeast has risen, add the eggs, oil, and the rest of the lukewarm water. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

3. Incorporating the flour: Start adding the sifted flour gradually, mixing continuously. It is important to use sifted flour to avoid lumps. Continue adding flour until you obtain a soft but elastic dough. It should be slightly sticky but pull away from the sides of the bowl.

4. Letting it rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for fluffy and airy branzoaice.

5. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the chosen cheese (cottage cheese or curd) with the eggs. If you want a sweeter version, add sugar and lemon zest. Mix well so that all ingredients combine evenly.

6. Shaping the branzoaice: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1 cm. Cut pieces of about 30 x 20 cm or to your desired size. Place a tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center of each piece, then fold the dough, sealing the filling by pressing the edges together with your fingers.

7. Frying: Heat the oil or lard in a deep pan. Fry the branzoaice on both sides until golden and crispy. Place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

8. Serving: Branzoaice are delicious served warm, sprinkled with powdered sugar. You can enjoy them plain or with a cup of yogurt or sour cream on the side for a contrast of textures.

Useful tips:

- Use fresh cheese for the filling as it will give a better taste and a more pleasant texture.
- If desired, you can also add raisins or nuts to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Branzoaice can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in freezer bags.

Possible variations:

- For a savory version, replace the sugar in the filling with herbs like dill or chives.
- Experiment with chocolate fillings or fruit jams to create a sweet variation.

Nutrition and calories: Each branzoaică has about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for frying and the filling. They are rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, making them a satisfying snack option.

Branzoaice are more than just a simple dessert; they are a connection to our traditions and cherished memories. Try this recipe at home and bring a touch of childhood magic into your kitchen. Enjoy!