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Fluffy Sweet Cheese Pastries - A Delight for Sunday Mornings

As Sunday morning unfolds, nothing compares to the inviting aroma of freshly baked pastries. These fluffy sweet cheese pastries are not just a recipe but a little joy that can transform any ordinary morning into a celebration. Inspired by a cherished recipe from Mrs. Gicuța, this delicacy will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Ready to start your cooking adventure? Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12 pastries

Ingredients

*For the dough*:
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 packet of dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 150 g sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 500 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 2 eggs
- 80 g melted butter
- 50 ml oil

*For the sweet cheese filling*:
- 400 g sweet cottage cheese
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 100 g sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 30 g raisins (soaked in rum essence)
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 2 egg yolks

Step-by-step preparation

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add 4-5 tablespoons of lukewarm milk and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it ferment for 15 minutes. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy and airy dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In another bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the remaining lukewarm milk, sugar, and gently warm the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it cool slightly, then incorporate the beaten eggs and lemon zest.

3. Combining the ingredients: After the yeast has fermented, add it to the bowl with flour, along with the melted butter and oil. Add a pinch of salt here. Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and elastic. This will take about 10 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

4. Letting it rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 45-50 minutes, until it doubles in volume. This is a perfect time to relax or prepare the cheese filling.

5. Preparing the cheese filling: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the vanilla sugar, sugar, raisins (which should have been soaked in rum essence for added flavor), semolina, and egg yolks. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

6. Shaping the pastries: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a sheet about 1 cm thick. Cut the dough into large squares. In each square, add a tablespoon of sweet cheese filling and gather the corners, forming a pouch.

7. Placing in the tray: Line a tray with flour and oil or, for added convenience, you can use parchment paper. Place the pastries in the tray and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

8. Brushing and baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the pastries with a beaten egg to achieve a golden crust. Bake for about 50 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

9. Serving: Allow the pastries to cool slightly, then enjoy them warm, alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a festive touch.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve an even dough.
- If you don't have fresh yeast, dry yeast is an excellent and easy-to-use choice.
- You can experiment with flavors by adding orange zest or nutmeg to the cheese filling.
- If you want a healthier option, you can use low-fat cottage cheese and reduce the amount of sugar.

Nutritional benefits:
These sweet cheese pastries are an excellent source of protein and calcium due to the cottage cheese. Additionally, the whole wheat flour used can provide extra fiber, aiding digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
- Yes, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor.

2. What can I do with leftover pastries?
- The pastries can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for later enjoyment.

Serving suggestions:
These pastries pair wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or a cold lemonade, especially during the summer. You can create a special brunch alongside fresh salads and fruit smoothies.

The joy of cooking comes from every detail, and these fluffy sweet cheese pastries are a perfect way to bring smiles around the table. So gather your loved ones, prepare this recipe, and enjoy every bite!