Packages with cheese and cranberries, with strawberries.

Delicious cheese and cranberry or strawberry packets: a simple and quick recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 12-16 packets

Welcome to the wonderful world of desserts! Today, I will guide you step by step in making delicious cheese and cranberry or strawberry packets – a recipe that perfectly combines sweet and savory, offering an explosion of flavors in every bite. These packets are ideal for a quick dessert, but also for a delightful snack with tea or coffee.

The history of these packets intertwines with the tradition of home cooking, where pastry sheets have been used for centuries to wrap various fillings, from sweet to savory. So, not only do you enjoy a tasty dessert, but you also get a touch of culinary tradition.

Necessary ingredients

- 2 packages of pastry sheets (300 g each)
- 300 g cottage cheese
- 150 g cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 300 g strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- strawberry jam (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons of milk (for brushing)

Step 1: Preparing the fillings

Start by preparing the fillings for the packets. In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese. Make sure it is well drained to avoid excess moisture. Add the egg, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a bit of salt. Mix the ingredients well with a fork or a hand mixer until you get a smooth mixture.

If you choose to use cranberries, add them to the cheese mixture and gently mix to incorporate. This filling will add a tangy and delicious note.

For the strawberry filling, clean and chop the strawberries into small cubes. Add them to a separate bowl and mix them with the strawberry jam for a sweeter and more intense flavor.

Step 2: Preparing the pastry sheets

Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). While it heats up, unfold the pastry sheets on a work surface. Use a sharp knife to cut each sheet into equal squares, about 10x10 cm. These dimensions are ideal for forming the packets.

Step 3: Forming the packets

For the cheese and cranberry packets, take a square of pastry, place a tablespoon of cheese filling in the center, and fold the corners towards the center, forming a pouch. Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent them from opening during baking. Repeat this process until you have finished all the filling.

For the strawberry packets, the procedure is similar. Put a little jam in the center of the squares, add a few cubes of strawberries, and fold them just like the cheese ones.

Step 4: Baking the packets

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the formed packets on it. Use a silicone brush to brush them with milk, which will help achieve a golden and crispy crust.

Bake the packets in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden. The aroma that will fill your kitchen during baking is simply irresistible!

Step 5: Serving

After the packets are baked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious both warm and cold. You can sprinkle them with a little powdered sugar for an elegant look or serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a perfect temperature contrast.

Practical tips

- If you don't have cottage cheese, you can use ricotta or mascarpone for a creamier texture.
- Instead of cranberries, you can experiment with blueberries or cherries, depending on the season and preferences.
- Make sure the pastry sheets are well thawed before using them. If they become dry, you can lightly brush them with water to make them more pliable.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought pastry sheets?
Yes, these sheets are perfect for this recipe and will save you a lot of time.

2. How do I keep the packets crispy?
It is best to consume them fresh, but if you want to store them, make sure to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.

3. Can I freeze them?
Yes, you can freeze the packets before baking them. Make sure to seal them well in plastic wrap.

Nutritional benefits

These packets are an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and egg. Cranberries add antioxidants, while strawberries provide the necessary vitamins for a healthy immune system. However, it's good to enjoy these delights in moderation, considering they are also high in calories due to the sugar and pastry sheets.

I wish you good cooking and to enjoy every bite of these delicious packets! Do you have questions or suggestions? Feel free to share them!