Pie with cheese and raisins

Cheese and Raisin Pita - A Childhood Delight

If there is a dessert that brings back warm family moments, it is certainly the cheese and raisin pita. This savory dish combines the fluffy texture of the dough with sweet cream cheese and juicy raisins, resulting in an irresistible combination. The pita is a versatile dessert that can be served warm or cold and is perfect for any occasion, from festive meals to everyday snacks.

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

Ingredients:

- 1 package of vanilla pudding
- 3.75 dl + 3 tablespoons of milk
- 250 g of margarine
- 30 g of fresh yeast
- 375 g of flour
- 204 g + 2 tablespoons (24 g) of sweetener (powder) or equivalent in sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 8 eggs
- 500 g of low-fat cottage cheese
- 50 g of raisins
- 50 g of sliced almonds
- Margarine for greasing the pan

Step by step to success:

1. Preparing the pudding: Start by bringing 3.75 dl of milk to a boil. When it starts boiling, take a separate bowl and mix the pudding powder with 3 tablespoons of cold milk. Add the mixture to the hot milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the pudding according to the package instructions, then remove it from the heat. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming and let it cool.

2. Preparing the dough: In another container, melt 50 g of margarine. Heat the remaining milk (without boiling) and add the yeast. Mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved. In a large bowl, add the flour, 36 g of sweetener (or sugar), a pinch of salt, the melted butter, and the milk with yeast. Incorporate one egg and mix everything until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for 30 minutes.

3. Cream cheese: Separate 5 eggs (yolks from whites). In another bowl, cream the remaining margarine with 96 g of sweetener (or sugar) until fluffy. Pass the cooled pudding through a sieve and gradually incorporate it into the butter cream, stirring continuously. Add the 5 egg yolks one by one and finally fold in the beaten egg whites.

4. Assembling the pita: Grease a 32 x 37 cm baking dish with margarine. Spread the dough in the dish, lifting the edges slightly. Prick the dough with a fork in several places to prevent puffing during baking. Smooth the cream cheese over the spread dough.

5. Adding raisins and almonds: In a small bowl, mix the remaining sweetener with the two remaining eggs, beating them well. Add the raisins and sliced almonds. This mixture will be spread evenly over the cream cheese.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 175°C. Bake the pita for 30 minutes, then cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes. Remove the foil and let it cool slightly before cutting.

7. Serving: Once cooled, cut the pita into portions and sprinkle the remaining sweetener on top. This dessert pairs perfectly with a warm tea or a glass of milk, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Practical tips:

- Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate mixing.
- Variations: You can replace the raisins with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries. Additionally, add spices like cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor.
- Preventing sticking: Flour on the work surface will help manipulate the dough more easily.
- Cream cheese: If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sweetener or use cottage cheese with a lower fat content.

Nutritional information (per serving, estimated):

- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 8 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use fresh cottage cheese or ricotta for a different texture.

2. How can I keep the pita fresh?
The pita can be kept at room temperature, covered with a damp towel, for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator in an airtight container for several days.

3. Is it possible to make the pita gluten-free?
Of course! You can use gluten-free flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquids.

This cheese and raisin pita recipe is not just a dessert, but an experience. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the aroma and taste of this delicious dessert. With each bite, you will bring a touch of joy and nostalgia to every meal. Enjoy!