Cheese pies

Branzoaice: a fluffy and creamy delicacy

Discover the magic of branzoiace, a traditional recipe that combines soft dough with a delicious sweet cheese filling. This recipe is not just a simple pie, but a true symbol of family goodness, passed down through generations, from my mother-in-law, who shared this culinary treasure. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a dessert, branzoiace will always bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 branzoiace

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 kg white flour
- 2 eggs
- 500 ml sweet milk
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 100 g sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 100 ml oil

For the filling:
- 500 g sweet cheese
- 3 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon sugar (for brushing)

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a bowl, gently heat the milk (without boiling) and dissolve the sugar in it. Add the fresh yeast and mix well until completely dissolved. This is the base for a fluffy dough.
- Sift the flour into another large bowl, add the salt, lemon zest, and vanilla essence. These flavors will give a pleasant taste and a special flavor to the branzoiace.
- In the center of the flour, make a well and add the eggs, then the milk and yeast mixture. Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands, gradually incorporating the flour into the liquid.
- As the dough begins to come together, gradually add the oil, continuing to knead until you obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough, similar to the texture of a sponge.

2. Letting the dough rise:
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. This is the perfect moment to relax and prepare the filling.

3. Preparing the filling:
- In another bowl, mix the sweet cheese with the sugar and the 3 eggs. If the filling seems too soft, feel free to add a few tablespoons of semolina to give it a firmer texture. This will help maintain the shape of the branzoiace during baking.

4. Shaping the branzoiace:
- Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick. Using a knife or a pastry cutter, cut squares measuring 7-8 cm on each side.
- Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each square and fold the corners towards the middle, forming a little package. Make sure the filling is well sealed, so it doesn't leak during baking.

5. Second rising:
- Place the branzoiace on greased trays, leaving a little space between them to rise. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

6. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Before placing them in the oven, brush the branzoiace with a mixture of beaten egg and a tablespoon of sugar to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.
- Bake the branzoiace for 30 minutes, or until they become golden and browned. The aroma that will fill the kitchen is simply irresistible!

Serving suggestions:
Branzoiace are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee, making them ideal for a comforting breakfast or a sweet snack. Additionally, a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream can transform this dessert into an unforgettable experience.

Useful tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality cheese for the filling to achieve a rich and creamy taste.
- If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding a few drops of orange essence to the filling or a pinch of cinnamon for a more exotic touch.
- You can freeze unbaked branzoiace, and when you want to enjoy them, take them out of the freezer and bake them directly, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional information (per serving approx.):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 8 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese?
- Yes, but make sure the cottage cheese is well drained and not too wet.

2. What type of flour is recommended?
- Type 000 white flour is the most suitable, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

3. Can I make them without eggs?
- Yes, but the dough will be less soft. You can add a bit of yogurt or extra milk to compensate.

In conclusion, branzoiace are a wonderful recipe that combines tradition with flavor. With every bite, you will feel the warmth of family and the joy of cooking. So, unleash your creativity and enjoy this delicious dish!