Grazed (LIGHT)

Pascute Light - A Flourless and Crustless Delight

Who said desserts can't be healthy and delicious at the same time? Light pascutes are a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a light sweet treat without feeling guilty. These little culinary wonders contain no flour or crust, but they will surely delight your taste buds!

A Brief History of Pascutes

Pascutes are a lighter and healthier version of the traditional pasca, a dessert often associated with Easter celebrations. These delicacies have evolved over time, ranging from simple recipes to more elaborate combinations. Today, light pascutes are appreciated not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits.

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 pieces

Ingredients

- 400g cottage cheese
- Sweetener to taste (you can use both natural and artificial sweeteners)
- 2 eggs
- Optional: raisins, nuts, or other dried fruits

Useful for Preparation

- Muffin tins (or a baking tray)
- Parchment paper
- A fork to mash the cheese
- A mixer or whisk for homogenization

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Cheese: Start by placing the cottage cheese in a bowl. Use a fork to mash it well until you achieve a fine texture. This is an essential step, as well-mashed cheese will ensure a uniform composition.

2. Adding the Sweetener: Add the desired sweetener to the bowl with cheese. If you prefer a sweeter taste, adjust the amount to your liking. Honey or maple syrup can be excellent alternatives to artificial sweeteners.

3. Incorporating the Eggs: Crack the 2 eggs and add them to the bowl. Use a mixer or whisk to homogenize the mixture. Make sure all ingredients are well integrated to achieve a fine and uniform composition.

4. Preparing the Tins: Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Place parchment paper in the muffin tins or lightly grease them with oil to prevent sticking.

5. Filling the Tins: Pour the cheese mixture into the prepared tins, filling them up to ¾ of their volume. If desired, now is the time to add raisins or other preferred ingredients for extra flavor.

6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let them bake for 30 minutes or until they turn golden and firm to the touch.

7. Cooling: Once the pascutes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tins for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the tins and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

8. Serving: Light pascutes can be served plain or topped with Greek yogurt for added creaminess. You can also sprinkle them with a little powdered sugar or cinnamon for a more appealing look.

Tips and Variations

- Sweeteners: If you prefer a more natural taste, opt for brown sugar or honey. These will add not only sweetness but also a note of flavor.
- Delicious Additions: Raisins are a classic choice, but you can experiment with dark chocolate pieces or walnuts to add a crunchy texture.
- Creative Servings: These light pascutes pair wonderfully with a cup of aromatic tea or a strong espresso to create a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, with low fat content, making light pascutes a healthy choice. Each serving has a low caloric content, ideal for a healthy breakfast or a light dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can replace cottage cheese with ricotta or soy cheese for a vegan option.
- How long do they last? Light pascutes can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat them slightly before serving to restore their soft texture.
- Can they be frozen? Yes, pascutes can be frozen. Make sure to package them well to prevent drying out.

Conclusion

Light pascutes are not only a healthy choice but also a delicious dessert that can be customized according to your preferences. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, these delicacies will bring joy to everyone. Try them and let their flavor carry you away!