Dobrogea pie

Delicious Recipe for Cheese and Raisin Pie

Cheese and raisin pie is a classic dessert, beloved by all who appreciate simple yet flavorful combinations. This recipe has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a popular choice at festive meals as well as on ordinary days when the craving for something sweet arises. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare a tasty pie that will bring joy in every bite!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- 1 package of pie sheets (approximately 400 g)
- Grated zest of one lemon and one orange
- 250 g sugar
- 5 eggs
- 200 ml sweet cream
- 200-250 g raisins
- 1-2 tablespoons rum essence
- Powdered sugar with vanilla flavor for decoration
- 800-1000 g sweet cottage cheese
- Oil for greasing the sheets

Preparation:

1. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, add the sweet cottage cheese and sugar. Use a fork or mixer to mix these ingredients well until the sugar dissolves and the cheese becomes creamy. This is the ideal time to add the grated lemon and orange zest, which will bring extra flavor and freshness to your filling.

2. Adding additional ingredients: Continue to incorporate the 5 eggs, raisins, and rum essence. Mix everything very well until the composition becomes homogeneous. The raisins can be soaked in warm water or rum to become juicier and more flavorful. This step is not mandatory, but it can improve the texture of the filling.

3. Preparing the pie sheets: Start working with the pie sheets. Take 3 sheets, being careful to place them one on top of the other. Grease the first sheet with oil to prevent sticking and provide a crispy texture. After preparing the sheets, add 4-5 tablespoons of the cheese filling along the edge of the sheets and carefully roll them up. Place the resulting rolls in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure to place them seam side down to prevent them from unrolling.

4. Preparing the cream mixture: In a small bowl, beat the remaining 2 eggs and mix them with the sweet cream. This mixture will add a creamy and delicious layer on top of your pie. Pour this mixture evenly over the pie rolls in the tray.

5. Baking the pie: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray with the pie in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-45 minutes or until it becomes golden and well-browned. You will know it is ready when a pleasant aroma of cheese and raisins fills your kitchen!

6. Serving: Once the pie has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar with vanilla flavor for an elegant appearance and an extra touch of sweetness. You can serve it warm or cold, as a dessert or snack. It is delicious alongside a scoop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Practical tips:
- Buy fresh cottage cheese to achieve a creamy and tasty filling.
- You can add various spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to customize the flavor of the pie.
- If you prefer a sour taste, you can add a few tablespoons of yogurt to the filling.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This pie contains approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the serving size and the ingredients used. Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while raisins provide fiber and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can use ricotta or feta cheese for a savory version.
- How can I store the pie? Keep the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently before serving.

Possible variations:
- Replace raisins with dried cranberries for a different fruity note.
- Add chopped nuts to the filling for an extra crunch.

Personal notes:
This cheese pie recipe reminds me of my childhood when my grandmother spoiled us with homemade delicacies. The aroma and taste of this pie have remained in my heart, and I hope it becomes a cherished recipe for you as well. I encourage you to try it and bring a little magic from those moments into your kitchen!

I hope you enjoy every bite of this cheese and raisin pie, a simple and delicious recipe perfect for any occasion!