Cheese pies

Delicious Cheese and Raisin Pastries - A Recipe Full of Memories

Who doesn't remember the moments spent in the kitchen with mom, when the enticing aromas tempted us to taste every ingredient? This recipe for pastries, also known as trigoane, is a culinary treasure that brings a touch of nostalgia and joy to the festive table. At Easter, when there was leftover filling for the pasca, mom would prepare these delicious pastries, and now it's your turn to discover them!

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12 pastries

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 500 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 200 ml milk (warm)
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 100 g butter (melted and warm)
- Lemon and orange zest (for flavor)
- A pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 100 g salty cheese
- 50 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 200 g raisins (soft)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Lemon zest (for flavor)

Preparing the filling

1. Raisins: Start by preparing the raisins. Place them in a bowl and cover them with warm milk flavored with a splash of vanilla. Let them soak for about 30 minutes. This step will not only improve their texture but will also add a sweet and aromatic taste to the filling.

2. Cheese mixture: In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the salty cheese, sugar, beaten eggs, lemon zest, and raisins. Make sure everything is well integrated; the filling should have a creamy consistency and be full of flavor.

Preparing the dough

3. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with 100 ml of warm milk and two teaspoons of sugar. Let it sit for 15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.

4. Preparing the starter: In a large bowl, add the flour, and in the center of the flour, make a space for the starter (the yeast mixture). Add the beaten eggs, 100 ml of warm milk, the flavors (lemon zest, orange zest, and vanilla sugar), salt, and dissolved sugar. Mix well, then knead the dough for about 30 minutes, adding the melted butter. The dough should become elastic and slightly sticky.

5. First rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

Shaping the pastries

6. Shaping: After the dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to a thickness of about 1 cm. Cut the dough into squares of 8x8 cm.

7. Filling: Place a generous amount of filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the squares towards the center, forming a package, and press the edges with a fork to seal them. This way, the filling will not escape during baking.

8. Second rising: Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and let them rise for another 15 minutes. This step helps maintain the fluffy texture.

9. Glazing: Before placing them in the oven, brush each pastry with beaten egg. This detail will give the pastries a golden and appetizing crust.

Baking and serving

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the pastries for 20 minutes, or until they become golden and nicely browned.

11. Serving: The pastries are served warm, but they are just as delicious cold. You can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a more festive look or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic tea.

Practical tips and variations

- Varying the filling: If you want to experiment, you can replace the filling with fruit jams, ground nuts, or even chocolate. In this case, they will no longer be pastries but trigoane, but they will be just as tasty!

- Caring for the dough: Make sure the dough is not left to dry; cover it with a damp towel during rising.

- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of pastries contains about 220 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates and protein due to the cheese and eggs. They can provide an energy boost, making them ideal for a hearty breakfast or a snack.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast, making sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and leave it in the refrigerator, covered. The next day, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using.

3. How can I store the pastries? Keep the pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They can be reheated in the oven to regain their fluffy texture.

This pastry recipe is not just a simple culinary choice, but a window into pleasant childhood memories. Transform every bite into an unforgettable story! Enjoy!