Cheese pies

Delicious Branzoaice – Traditional Dessert Recipe

Who doesn’t love a sweet story, combined with enticing flavors? Branzoaice are a dessert that evokes pleasant memories, often associated with festive moments or family mornings. These fluffy delights, filled with cottage cheese, have a soft texture and a refined taste, and making them is a true art. Let’s explore a detailed recipe to create the most delicious branzoaice.

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

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 kg wheat flour (choose a quality flour with a medium protein content for the perfect texture)
- 50 g fresh yeast (or 20 g dry yeast)
- 3 tablespoons honey (adds a touch of natural sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (helps develop flavors)
- 50 g butter (melted for a fine texture)
- 250 ml milk (at room temperature)
- 250 g yogurt (this will add moisture and make the dough fluffier)

For the filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained to avoid excess water)
- 2 eggs (beaten, to bind the filling)
- 100 g semolina (helps absorb moisture from the cheese)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh and aromatic flavor)
- 200 g sugar (for sweetness)

For brushing:
- 2 egg yolks (for a beautiful color when baked)
- 2 tablespoons milk (to thin the yolks)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for a touch of sweetness on the crust)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. Make a well in the center and add the fresh yeast. It’s important not to add the yeast directly to the salt, as salt can inhibit its activity. Add a little warm milk and the honey. Gently mix to activate the yeast. Wait 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

2. Adding the ingredients
Add the remaining milk, yogurt, and melted butter. Start mixing the ingredients with a spoon or your hands until a homogeneous dough forms. If necessary, add a little flour, but don’t overdo it to avoid a tough dough.

3. Kneading the dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. Finally, add a little oil to enrich it further. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour until it doubles in size.

4. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the beaten eggs, semolina, lemon zest, and sugar. Make sure the filling is well combined and refrigerate it to firm up a bit.

5. Shaping the branzoaice
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured table. Roll it out to about 1 cm thick and cut rectangles of your desired size. In the center of each rectangle, add a tablespoon of filling. Fold the dough like an envelope, ensuring the edges are well sealed.

6. Placing on the tray
Place the branzoaice on a buttered and floured baking tray, leaving space between them to allow for rising. Cover them with a towel and let them rest for 10 minutes.

7. Brushing and baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolks with the milk and sugar. Brush each branzoaica with the mixture to give them a golden color when baked. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

8. Serving
Let the branzoaice cool slightly before serving. They are delicious warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. They can be served alongside a fragrant tea or a glass of yogurt for a pleasant contrast.

Helpful tips:

- If you want a hint of vanilla in the filling, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or ricotta, for unique flavors.
- Branzoaice freeze well. Once baked, let them cool completely, then you can freeze them. When you want to enjoy them, you can reheat them in the oven.

Nutritional benefits:

Branzoaice are a source of protein from the cheese and eggs, and the addition of yogurt provides a probiotic boost. However, it’s important to note that, being high in sugar and fats, moderation is essential.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, it is recommended to use 20 g of dry yeast, and activation will be done in the same way.

2. How can I make the branzoaice less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling, adjusting it to your personal taste.

3. Can branzoaice be made in advance?
Certainly, you can prepare them and freeze them before baking. When you want to enjoy them, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Branzoaice are more than just a dessert; they are a culinary experience that brings joy and flavor. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these delights are an excellent choice. So, embrace your creative side and savor every bite!