Goat cheese and raisin pastries

Goat cheese and raisin pastries

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Who can resist a warm, fluffy, and aromatic snack? Goat cheese and raisin pastries are an excellent choice for any time of the day, whether you enjoy them at breakfast, as a snack between meals, or as a dessert. This recipe combines the sweetness of raisins with the distinctive taste of goat cheese, providing a memorable culinary experience.

A bit of history

Pastries have a rich history, being a traditional dish found in various corners of the world. These wonderful delicacies have evolved over time, inspired by different cultures and local ingredients. Today, every housewife has her own recipe, but I will share with you a simple yet delicious version, based on goat cheese, which adds a touch of refinement.

Your essential ingredients

To prepare these pastries, you will need the following ingredients:

Dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 200 g sugar
- 500 ml milk (preferably warm)
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 8 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Filling:
- 300 g goat cheese (you can also use cottage cheese for a milder version)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- 50 g raisins (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

For brushing:
- 1 egg
- 2 egg whites

Step-by-step guide

1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, mix 50 g of fresh yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar, a handful of flour, and 200 ml of warm milk. Let the mixture rise for 15 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the remaining flour and make a well in the center. Pour the yeast mixture into this well. Add the egg yolks, a pinch of salt (this will help keep the yolks vibrant in color), the whole egg, sugar, the rest of the milk, vanilla sugar, oil, and grated lemon zest.

3. Kneading: Knead the dough for about 20 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour. Cover the bowl with a cotton towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

4. Preparing the filling: In a separate bowl, crumble the goat cheese with a fork. Add the powdered sugar and mix well. Beat the eggs with a whisk and pour them over the crumbled cheese. Add the semolina, raisins, and vanilla essence, mixing until you get a smooth paste. If you prefer, you can use your hands to mix the ingredients.

5. Assembling the pastries: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a work surface, being careful to handle it as little as possible. Roll out the dough with a lightly oiled rolling pin until you have a thin sheet, about one centimeter thick. Using a knife or a special cutter, cut the dough into 3x3 cm squares.

6. Filling and wrapping: Using a teaspoon, place the filling in the center of each square, then fold it like an envelope, making sure the filling is well sealed.

7. Baking: Place the pastries on a greased baking tray or one lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg together with the egg whites and brush each pastry with this mixture. Let them rise in the tray for another 10 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C.

8. Finishing: Bake the pastries for 30 minutes or until they turn golden. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a platter.

9. Serving: These pastries are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a fragrant tea or a glass of milk, and for an even more refined experience, try pairing them with a caramel or chocolate sauce.

Useful tips

- Raisins: If you want an even more intense flavor, you can soak them in a little rum or whiskey before adding them to the filling.
- Variations: Instead of goat cheese, you can use cottage cheese, ricotta, or a mix of cheeses, depending on your preferences.
- Calories: One serving of pastries (about 1/12 of the recipe) contains around 260-300 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Nutritional benefits: Goat cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while raisins provide a boost of fiber and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Replace 50 g of fresh yeast with 16 g of dry yeast.

2. How long can I keep the pastries?
The pastries keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave to restore their fluffy texture.

3. Can they be frozen?
Yes, the pastries can be frozen without any problems. Place them in an airtight container, and frozen, they can be kept for up to 3 months.

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Every housewife has her own magic in the kitchen, and goat cheese and raisin pastries are a perfect opportunity to leave your personal mark. Enjoy!