Cheese pies

Cheese Pies - An Unforgettable Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours
Number of servings: 12 pies

Introduction

Who doesn't love the pleasant aroma of freshly baked pies? These cheese pies are a perfect choice for a savory breakfast or a sweet snack, being easy to prepare and exceptionally tasty. The origins of these pies are lost in the mists of time, but today they represent a beloved culinary tradition around the world. Let's discover together how we can recreate this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 1 kg of flour
- 50 g of fresh yeast
- 2 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 g of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of lard
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 200 ml of sour cream (or yogurt)

*For the filling:*
- 300 g of fresh cottage cheese
- 200 g of cream cheese
- 2-3 eggs
- 200 g of sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon of semolina or flour

*For brushing:*
- 2 egg yolks
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk
- Lemon juice or vanilla essence (to taste)

Preparation

*1. Preparing the dough*

Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Add the salt, sugar, and vanilla sugar, then make a small well in the center of the flour.

Practical tips: Make sure the yeast is fresh to achieve a fluffy dough. If you don't have fresh yeast, you can use dry yeast, being careful to adjust the amount.

In the well formed, pour in the yeast dissolved in a little warm water. Add the lard, beaten eggs, and sour cream. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding warm water if necessary, until you achieve an elastic and non-sticky composition.

*2. Rising*

Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until the dough doubles in volume.

Tips: You can warm your oven to 50°C, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise faster.

*3. Preparing the filling*

In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the cream cheese and sugar. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Add the beaten eggs, lemon zest and juice, as well as the semolina or flour. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

Personalized option: If you want a more flavorful filling, add some well-drained cherries from a compote coated in flour. They will add a pleasant contrast between sweetness and acidity.

*4. Shaping the pies*

On a well-floured surface, roll out a sheet of dough and cut it into squares of about 10 cm. Place a tablespoon of cheese filling on each square, then fold it like an envelope. Make sure the edges are well sealed so they don't open during baking.

*5. Baking*

Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix the egg yolks with the milk and lemon juice or vanilla essence. Brush the pies with this mixture to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pies for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden.

*6. Finishing*

After the pies have cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a more elegant appearance and a touch of sweetness.

Serving suggestion: These pies are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee.

Nutritional information: Each pie has approximately 250 calories, being a good source of protein due to the cheese filling. Whole flour can be used to add fiber, enhancing the nutritional benefits.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with goat or sheep cheese for a distinct flavor.

2. How can I store the pies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, but remember they are best consumed fresh.

3. Can I freeze the pies?
Yes, you can freeze the pies before baking. Make sure to separate them well and place them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These cheese pies are not only a delicious dish but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around the table. Dare to experiment with fillings and flavors and enjoy every bite! I invite you to try this recipe and share your impressions with us. Bon appétit!