Sweet cheese and raisin pastries

Sweet cheese and raisin pies

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I will share with you a recipe that combines tradition with the inviting flavors of sweet cheese and raisins: sweet cheese and raisin pies. These fluffy pastries are perfect for a delicious snack, a festive meal, or simply to indulge your taste buds.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 550 g flour
- 200 ml milk (heated)
- 50 g margarine (melted)
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 600 g sweet cheese (preferably Milli type)
- 3 eggs
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- Vanilla essence (to taste)
- Rum essence (for flavor)
- Raisins (about 200 g)

For brushing:
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons sweet milk

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Start by activating the yeast. Mix the yeast with 100 g of the flour and add one tablespoon of sugar. Cover and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. In another bowl, warm the milk (it should be lukewarm, not hot) and add the melted margarine. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

3. In a large bowl, beat the egg with the oil, sugar, salt, vanilla sugar, and the milk and margarine mixture.

4. Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring with a spatula or your hands. Incorporate the activated yeast mixture.

5. Slowly add the melted margarine, stirring constantly until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

6. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours or until it doubles in volume.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the sweet cheese with the sugar and eggs until you get a smooth paste.

2. Add the vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, and rum essence.

3. Soak the raisins in a bowl of warm water with a little rum essence for 15 minutes. After they swell, drain them well and add them to the cheese mixture. Mix well.

Step 3: Assembling the pies

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a well-floured surface, roll out the first part of the dough into a thin sheet.

3. Place the sheet of dough in a greased baking tray lined with parchment paper.

4. Spread the cheese and raisin filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough.

5. Roll out the second sheet of dough and place it on top of the filling. Seal the edges of the pie by pressing with your fingers or a fork.

6. Prick the pie in several places for even baking and brush it with the egg yolk and milk mixture.

Step 4: Baking

1. Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy.

2. After baking, let the pies cool in the tray for a few minutes, then you can dust them with powdered sugar for a more elegant look.

Helpful tip

If you want to add a touch of originality, you can try substituting some of the sweet cheese with goat cheese or ricotta for a more intense flavor. You can also add some chopped nuts to the filling for added texture.

Nutritional benefits

Sweet cheese and raisin pies are a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the raisins provide fiber and antioxidants. However, moderate consumption is recommended, considering the sugar and fat content.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace margarine with butter?
Yes, you can use butter instead of margarine for a richer taste.

2. How can I keep the pies fresh for longer?
I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat them to regain their fluffy texture.

3. What can I serve alongside the pies?
Sweet cheese and raisin pies pair wonderfully with a cup of Greek yogurt or a sour cream sauce for a contrast of flavors. A fruit tea or aromatic coffee are excellent accompaniments.

Conclusion

These sweet cheese and raisin pies are not just a simple recipe but a true joy for the soul and a perfect way to bring a touch of warmth to your home. I hope you enjoy making them and that each bite will bring pleasant memories and moments of savoring with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!