Dessert - Fluffy autumn pastries by Francesca D. - Recipia
Fluffy Cheese Pies Recipe - A Traditional Delight

Who doesn't love fluffy cheese pies? Perfect for any occasion, these pies are great both warm and cold, making them an excellent choice for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Let's discover this delicious recipe together, step by step, to achieve a soft texture and a cheese filling that will delight our senses.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes
Servings: 12 pies

Ingredients

- 1 kilogram of flour
- 300 ml of sour milk (buttermilk)
- 300 ml of sweet milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 25 g of fresh yeast or 7 g of dry yeast (dry yeast is recommended for convenience)
- 100 g of lard (or butter, if preferred)
- 250 g of fresh cottage cheese
- 200 g of grated telemea cheese
- 1 whole egg (for filling)
- 1 whole egg (for brushing the pies)
- 3 tablespoons of milk (for brushing the pies)
- Sesame seeds (for decoration)

A Brief History

Cheese pies have been made throughout history in many cultures, becoming a symbol of hospitality and family culinary traditions. Their delicious taste and unmistakable aroma have gained popularity worldwide. Whether served at festive meals or as a quick snack, these pies are always welcome.

Step by Step

Step 1: Activating the yeast

Start by mixing the dry yeast with the sugar in a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of flour and about 100 ml of room-temperature buttermilk. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is crucial to ensure your pies will be fluffy and airy.

Step 2: Preparing the dough

In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture. Pour in the remaining buttermilk and sweet milk. Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula, then knead the dough with your hands for 10-15 minutes. The dough should become elastic and smooth, no longer sticking to your hands or the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too soft, add a tablespoon of flour at a time; if it’s too hard, add a tablespoon of buttermilk at a time.

Step 3: Rising the dough

Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with plastic wrap and a towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, until it doubles in size. This process will ensure a fluffy texture.

Step 4: Preparing the filling

Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, 1 whole egg, and grated telemea cheese. Make sure all the cheese is well combined to achieve a smooth and creamy filling.

Step 5: Shaping the pies

On a lightly greased work surface, turn out the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Brush the dough with lard, then roll it tightly. You can cut the roll in half for easier handling.

Step 6: Portioning

Roll each piece of dough again to form two rectangles, which you cut into 10x10 cm squares. Fill each square with the cheese mixture and roll it up with the seam side down. Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Baking

Before baking, prepare a mixture of 1 beaten egg with 3 tablespoons of milk and brush the pies with this mixture. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an attractive appearance. Bake the pies in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 35-40 minutes, until they are golden and crispy.

Step 8: Cooling and serving

Once baked, let the pies cool slightly in the tray. Then, you can enjoy them warm, alongside a cup of yogurt or a refreshing drink. These pies are just as delicious cold, making them perfect for a snack or a picnic.

Practical Tips

- Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh cottage cheese and quality telemea cheese for an authentic taste.
- Ingredient temperature: Ensure that the buttermilk and sweet milk are at room temperature to effectively activate the yeast.
- Checking the rising: If the dough doesn’t double in size, the yeast may be inactive. Always test the yeast before starting the recipe.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings by adding herbs, dill, or even spinach for a hearty version.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour?: Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid amounts.
- How can I store the pies?: Keep the pies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze them for longer durability.
- What can I serve the pies with?: These pies pair perfectly with a cup of yogurt, sour cream, or even a tomato sauce for a flavor contrast.

These fluffy cheese pies are not just a simple recipe, but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together. I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy the delicious results! Every bite will bring a smile to your face and those of your loved ones. Happy cooking!

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Dessert - Fluffy autumn pastries by Francesca D. - Recipia

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