Cheese pies

Branzoici - A Warm Delicacy for Unforgettable Moments

Who doesn't love the warm and comforting aroma of freshly baked branzoici? This simple recipe for branzoici is perfect for any occasion, from a savory breakfast to a delicious snack in the middle of the day. Whether you're enjoying an afternoon with friends or want to treat your family, these delights are the ideal choice.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 20 branzoici

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 450 grams of flour
- 25 grams of fresh yeast
- 200 ml of warm milk
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt

For the filling:
- 250 grams of cow cheese (preferably fresh and well-drained)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon of semolina

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by warming the milk until it is lukewarm, not hot, so as not to kill the yeast. Add the yeast to the milk and stir gently until completely dissolved. This is a crucial step, so ensure that the yeast is active, which will be checked if it starts to bubble after a few minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk-yeast mixture. Add the melted margarine (or butter) and begin to knead the dough. If using a mixer with a dough hook, knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. If you choose to knead by hand, prepare for a session of about 15-20 minutes.

3. At first, the dough will be sticky, but as you continue to knead, it will begin to pull away from the sides of the bowl and form a ball. It is essential that the dough is well-kneaded to ensure a fluffy and airy texture.

4. Once you have a smooth, elastic dough, cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until it doubles in volume. A trick: you can place the bowl in a warm (not hot!) oven to speed up the rising process.

2. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, add the cow cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and semolina. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. The semolina helps absorb moisture from the cheese, providing a better texture.

3. Shaping the branzoici:
After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough into a sheet about 5 mm thick. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut squares of about 10 cm.

4. On each square, add a spoonful of the cheese filling. Then, fold each square, bringing the corners to the center of the sheet to form a pouch. Ensure they are well sealed to avoid opening during baking.

5. Place the branzoici on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to expand. Brush them with a beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the branzoici for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and charming. In the meantime, you can enjoy the aroma that will spread throughout the house!

7. Finally, remove the branzoici from the oven and sprinkle powdered sugar on top, giving them an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving suggestions:
Branzoici are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. Additionally, adding a teaspoon of fruit jam or a dollop of sour cream can transform these delights into a special dessert.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add raisins, chocolate chips, or even lemon zest to the cheese filling. Other delicious options include feta or ricotta cheese, which can provide a saltier taste.

Nutritional benefits:
These branzoici are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, depending on the ingredients you choose. If you use low-fat cheese, you can turn them into a lighter snack.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with 10 grams of dry yeast.
- How long can I keep the branzoici? They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can I freeze the branzoici? Yes, after they have completely cooled, you can freeze them. When you want to serve them, let them thaw at room temperature and you may reheat them slightly in the oven.

Don't hesitate any longer! Try this simple branzoici recipe and turn every moment into a celebration of taste. The delight of these treats will make you return to the recipe again and again, and your family will reward you with smiles and thanks. Enjoy!