Easter bread

Cheese Pastry: A Traditional, Sweet, and Creamy Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen, where we will explore together the delicious recipe for cheese pastry! This savory cake, often associated with Easter celebrations, is a true delight for the taste buds. With a creamy texture and a soft dough, the cheese pastry will surely become the star of your festive table. Let's get started!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Baking time: 1 hour
- Total: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients

For the dough
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- 3 egg yolks
- 80 g melted butter or margarine
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar (about 15 g)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 200 ml warm milk
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 400 g flour (approximately, adjust as needed)

For the filling
- 500 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 300 g sour cream
- 150 g raisins (soaked in rum)
- 5 packets of vanilla sugar (about 25 g)
- 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons of semolina
- 150 g sugar
- 3 eggs

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the yeast
In a small bowl, mix the dry yeast with 2 teaspoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of flour, and 4-5 tablespoons of warm milk. Let this mixture rise for 15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is the perfect base for our dough.

Step 2: Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk (slightly cooled after boiling), yolks mixed with salt, and lemon zest. Mix all the ingredients well to obtain a homogeneous dough. Then, gradually add the melted butter, kneading until the dough no longer sticks to your hands. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and soft dough.

Step 3: Rising the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 minutes, until it doubles in volume. This stage will ensure an airy texture for the pastry.

Step 4: Prepare the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with sugar and vanilla sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the sour cream, semolina, and rum-soaked raisins. It is important to use quality raisins to add a deep flavor to the filling.

Step 5: Assemble the pastry
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 2 parts. One part will be the base, and the other for decoration. Place the first part in a greased baking pan, gently raising it along the sides of the pan to make room for the filling. Pour the cheese filling and level it evenly.

From the remaining dough, take 1/3, and divide the rest into two. Roll each part into a thin string and braid them. Place the braid over the filling, ensuring it is well covered. From the remaining dough, form a cross and place it in the center of the pastry.

Let the pastry rise for another 15-20 minutes, covered with a towel.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the pastry for about 1 hour, until it is golden and nicely browned. A trick to check if it is baked is to insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the pastry is ready!

Step 7: Finishing
After removing the pastry from the oven, brush it with a little honey for a shiny appearance and a sweet taste.

Serving Suggestions
The cheese pastry is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain, or alongside a berry sauce or compote. A cup of tea or coffee pairs perfectly with our dessert. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream on top for a creamy experience.

Variations
If you want to experiment, you can add chocolate pieces, ground almonds, or even candied oranges to the filling. Each variation will bring a new flavor and unique aroma to your pastry.

Nutritional Benefits
Cheese pastry is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. It also contains calcium and vitamins from the lemon. However, keep in mind to consume it in moderation, as it is also a source of calories. A serving of pastry contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta, but the texture and taste will vary.

2. How do I store the pastry?
The pastry stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. You can freeze it, but make sure it is well wrapped.

3. Is it possible to make the pastry gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but ensure you have an appropriate yeast.

Now that you have gone through each step of this recipe, you are ready to impress everyone with your delicious pastry! Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family, as the joy of cooking and savoring together is what makes every meal special! Enjoy!