Cheese Tart - Sweet Tears

Cheese Tart - Sweet Tears

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I will take you on a culinary journey that will delight your senses: the cheese tart, also known as "sweet tears." This is a recipe that has brought smiles to the faces of many generations over time and has been a sweet indulgence on festive tables. Combining a flaky crust, a fine cheese cream, and a fluffy meringue, this tart becomes an irresistible dessert, perfect for any occasion. Let's get started!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1 night (optional but recommended)
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 200 g flour
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 100 g butter (soft)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3-4 tablespoons milk

For the cheese cream:
- 300 g sweet cheese (preferably cow cheese)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla pudding
- 300 ml milk
- zest and juice of one lemon
- a handful of raisins (optional)

For the meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the crust
Start by gathering all the ingredients for the crust. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the soft butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until you achieve a sandy texture. Add the sugar, egg yolk, and baking powder. Begin mixing the ingredients, gradually adding milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you obtain a soft dough that does not stick to your hands.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation.
- If the dough is too soft, you can add a little more flour, but don't overdo it, or the crust will be too hard.

Step 2: Chilling the dough
Grease a 24 cm baking pan with a little oil and sprinkle flour on the bottom. Spread the dough in the pan, smoothing it out with a spatula or your palm. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and prevent it from deforming during baking.

Step 3: Preparing the cheese cream
While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the cheese cream. In a bowl, mix the sweet cheese with the eggs and sour cream. Use a blender or mixer to achieve a smooth cream without lumps. Add the milk, vanilla pudding, sugar, lemon juice, and zest, mixing well until homogeneous.

Possible variations:
- You can add vanilla for extra flavor or replace the raisins with other dried fruits or even chocolate.

Step 4: Baking the tart
Remove the pan from the refrigerator and pour the cheese mixture over the crust. Sprinkle the raisins on top (if you choose to use them) and place the pan in the preheated oven at 180°C. Bake the tart for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese cream sets. When ready, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 5: Preparing the meringue
While the tart cools, you can prepare the meringue. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and lemon juice, continuing to mix until you obtain a dense, glossy foam. In the last moments, fold in the cornstarch with a spatula, mixing gently.

Step 6: Finishing the tart
Spread the meringue evenly over the cheese tart, ensuring it reaches the edges. Put the tart back in the oven, allowing it to bake for 10 minutes, until the meringue turns golden. Once baked, turn off the oven and let the tart cool inside, preferably until the next day. This step is essential to achieve those "sweet tears" of dew.

Serving and combinations
The cheese tart is served cold, cut into slices. It is delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a fresh fruit sauce. Additionally, a cup of herbal tea or a fragrant coffee pairs perfectly with this dessert.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 7 g

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with various types of cheese, but it is recommended to use a sweet and creamy cheese to achieve the desired texture.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It is important to cover it well to prevent drying out.

3. Can I add other fruits?
Of course! You can add fresh fruits to the cheese cream or place slices of fruit on top of the tart before adding the meringue.

4. What other recipes can I try with cheese?
If you like cheese tart, you should also try cheesecake or cheese pancakes!

This cheese tart - sweet tears is a true indulgence that combines simplicity with refinement. With each piece, you will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones and create priceless memories around the table. So, don't hesitate, gather your ingredients, and let's enjoy this wonderful dessert!