Cheese pies

Cheese Pies - A Family Delicacy that Combines Tradition and Authentic Taste

On a cool day, when the aroma of fresh breeze reminds us of moments spent with family, nothing compares to the pleasure of enjoying a warm serving of cheese pies. This classic dish, known in many corners of the world, brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients, transforming into a dessert that combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the rich filling of sweet cheese.

Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing these delicious pies, but before we get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients and how to combine them for a perfect result.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8 pies

Ingredients for the dough:
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla essence
- 4 tablespoons of sour cream
- 4 tablespoons of oil (or melted butter)
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- Flour, as needed (approximately 300-400 g, depending on humidity)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 250 g sweet cottage cheese (or feta, according to preference)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla essence
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of semolina

Preparing the dough:

1. In a large bowl, crack the 2 eggs and add the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Use a whisk or mixer to mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is homogeneous.

2. Add the vanilla essence and sour cream, continuing to mix. The sour cream will add a creamy and rich texture to the dough.

3. Incorporate the oil (or melted butter) and mix again. It is important that the ingredients are at room temperature for even combining.

4. Sprinkle the baking powder over the mixture and mix well to distribute it evenly.

5. Start adding the flour gradually, mixing continuously until you obtain a soft dough that can be rolled out. The amount of flour will vary depending on humidity, so add it moderately.

Preparing the filling:

1. In another bowl, place the sweet cottage cheese (or feta) and crush it lightly with a fork.

2. Add the 3 tablespoons of sugar, vanilla essence, egg, and semolina. Mix well until all ingredients are well incorporated. The semolina will help absorb excess moisture from the cheese, providing a pleasant texture to the filling.

Forming the pies:

1. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 5 mm thick.

2. Using a knife or a grater, cut the dough into equal-sized squares, approximately 10x10 cm.

3. In the center of each square, place a tablespoon of the cheese filling.

4. Here comes the fun part! Fold each square, bringing one corner over the filling, then fold the opposite corner, continuing with the other corners. Make sure the pies are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

Baking the pies:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).

2. Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

3. Brush them with oil or melted butter to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

4. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the pies are golden and fluffy.

5. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Serving and suggestions:

These cheese pies are delicious both warm and cold. I recommend serving them with a portion of sour cream or a fruit sauce to add a touch of freshness. They can also be enjoyed alongside a warm tea or a refreshing lemonade.

Possible variations:

If you want to experiment, here are a few suggestions:
- Replace the sweet cheese with feta cheese and add fresh dill for a savory version.
- Try adding raisins or pieces of dried fruit to the filling for a unique taste.
- You can thin out the dough and use it to create large pies, which you can cut into slices, similar to an appetizer platter.

Nutritional information:

Each serving of cheese pies contains approximately 220 calories, being a good source of protein due to the cheese and egg. These pies can be included in a balanced diet, but it is advisable to consume them in moderation, especially if you are mindful of caloric intake.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use salty cheese instead of sweet cheese?
Yes, you can replace sweet cheese with salty cheese, but it is recommended to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling.

2. How can I keep the pies fresh?
Keep the pies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them for later use.

3. Can I add spices to the filling?
Absolutely! You can experiment with flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg to add a different taste.

I hope this cheese pie recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and delicious moments with your loved ones. Try it and share the result with us! Cooking is an art, and each recipe is a story waiting to be told. Enjoy!