Sweet Cheese and Raisin Pudding
The dessert I propose today is a recipe for sweet cheese and raisin pudding, a sweet memory from childhood, a dessert that combines the soft texture of bread with the intense flavor of cheese and the sweetness of raisins. This recipe is perfect for using leftover bread and transforms a simple ingredient into a delicacy that will delight your taste buds.
Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Necessary ingredients:
- 700 g sliced bread (older bread is ideal for a better texture)
- 1 kg sweet cheese (preferably cottage cheese or Făgăraș cheese for an intense flavor)
- 250 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 150 g margarine (or butter, if you prefer a richer taste)
- 8 eggs (4 for the cream and 4 for the egg white foam)
- 500 ml milk
- 150 g raisins (you can also use other dried fruits like apricots or cranberries)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon (for an extra freshness)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the bread is dry, as this will absorb the egg and milk mixture better. If the bread is too soft, you can dry it in the oven for a few minutes.
2. Beating the eggs and preparing the milk:
In a large bowl, beat the 4 eggs with 2 tablespoons of sugar until frothy. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly. This mixture will be used to soak the bread slices.
3. Soaking the bread slices:
Take each slice of bread and soak it in the egg and milk mixture, making sure it is well coated, but do not let it soak too much. Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish lined with breadcrumbs to prevent sticking.
4. Preparing the cheese cream:
In another bowl, mix the sweet cheese with the remaining sugar, the egg yolks (the other 4), the raisins, and the grated lemon zest. This mixture will add flavor to your pudding.
5. Assembling the pudding:
Start by placing a layer of bread slices in the prepared dish, making sure there are no gaps. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the bread layer, then add another layer of soaked bread. Continue with the remaining cheese mixture, followed by a final layer of bread.
6. Preparing the egg white foam:
Beat the 4 egg whites until stiff peaks form. You can add a tablespoon of sugar to make the foam sweeter. Spread this foam over the pudding.
7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish in the oven for about 35 minutes or until the surface is golden and slightly crispy.
8. Cooling and serving:
Let the pudding cool for a few minutes before cutting it. You can serve the pudding warm or at room temperature, possibly with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream on the side.
Practical tips:
- If you want to add a hint of flavor, you can replace the lemon zest with orange zest or add 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla extract to the cheese mixture.
- The pudding can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. The taste intensifies as it cools.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone, for a creamier texture.
Nutritional benefits:
This pudding is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. The bread provides necessary carbohydrates for energy, and the raisins add fiber and antioxidants. It is a relatively calorie-rich dessert, but it is perfect for satisfying a sweet craving without too much effort.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole grain bread?
Yes, whole grain bread will add a healthy note and a deeper flavor to your pudding.
- Is the pudding good for children?
Absolutely! It is a delicious and nutritious dessert, perfect for the whole family.
- Can I use other dried fruits?
Definitely! You can experiment with cranberries, dried apricots, or even nuts for a crunchy texture.
Delicious combinations:
Sweet cheese and raisin pudding can be served alongside vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a contrast of temperatures and flavors. Also, a cup of mint tea or a fresh lemonade would perfectly complement this dessert.
In conclusion, sweet cheese and raisin pudding is a dessert that will not only delight your taste buds but also remind you of the beautiful moments spent in the kitchen. So put on your chef's apron and let's prepare together a dessert that will surely become a favorite in your family!
The dessert I propose today is a recipe for sweet cheese and raisin pudding, a sweet memory from childhood, a dessert that combines the soft texture of bread with the intense flavor of cheese and the sweetness of raisins. This recipe is perfect for using leftover bread and transforms a simple ingredient into a delicacy that will delight your taste buds.
Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Necessary ingredients:
- 700 g sliced bread (older bread is ideal for a better texture)
- 1 kg sweet cheese (preferably cottage cheese or Făgăraș cheese for an intense flavor)
- 250 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 150 g margarine (or butter, if you prefer a richer taste)
- 8 eggs (4 for the cream and 4 for the egg white foam)
- 500 ml milk
- 150 g raisins (you can also use other dried fruits like apricots or cranberries)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon (for an extra freshness)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the bread is dry, as this will absorb the egg and milk mixture better. If the bread is too soft, you can dry it in the oven for a few minutes.
2. Beating the eggs and preparing the milk:
In a large bowl, beat the 4 eggs with 2 tablespoons of sugar until frothy. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly. This mixture will be used to soak the bread slices.
3. Soaking the bread slices:
Take each slice of bread and soak it in the egg and milk mixture, making sure it is well coated, but do not let it soak too much. Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish lined with breadcrumbs to prevent sticking.
4. Preparing the cheese cream:
In another bowl, mix the sweet cheese with the remaining sugar, the egg yolks (the other 4), the raisins, and the grated lemon zest. This mixture will add flavor to your pudding.
5. Assembling the pudding:
Start by placing a layer of bread slices in the prepared dish, making sure there are no gaps. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the bread layer, then add another layer of soaked bread. Continue with the remaining cheese mixture, followed by a final layer of bread.
6. Preparing the egg white foam:
Beat the 4 egg whites until stiff peaks form. You can add a tablespoon of sugar to make the foam sweeter. Spread this foam over the pudding.
7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish in the oven for about 35 minutes or until the surface is golden and slightly crispy.
8. Cooling and serving:
Let the pudding cool for a few minutes before cutting it. You can serve the pudding warm or at room temperature, possibly with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream on the side.
Practical tips:
- If you want to add a hint of flavor, you can replace the lemon zest with orange zest or add 1-2 tablespoons of vanilla extract to the cheese mixture.
- The pudding can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. The taste intensifies as it cools.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone, for a creamier texture.
Nutritional benefits:
This pudding is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. The bread provides necessary carbohydrates for energy, and the raisins add fiber and antioxidants. It is a relatively calorie-rich dessert, but it is perfect for satisfying a sweet craving without too much effort.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole grain bread?
Yes, whole grain bread will add a healthy note and a deeper flavor to your pudding.
- Is the pudding good for children?
Absolutely! It is a delicious and nutritious dessert, perfect for the whole family.
- Can I use other dried fruits?
Definitely! You can experiment with cranberries, dried apricots, or even nuts for a crunchy texture.
Delicious combinations:
Sweet cheese and raisin pudding can be served alongside vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a contrast of temperatures and flavors. Also, a cup of mint tea or a fresh lemonade would perfectly complement this dessert.
In conclusion, sweet cheese and raisin pudding is a dessert that will not only delight your taste buds but also remind you of the beautiful moments spent in the kitchen. So put on your chef's apron and let's prepare together a dessert that will surely become a favorite in your family!
Ingredients
700g sliced bread 1kg sweet cheese Fagaras 250g sugar 150g margarine 8 eggs 500ml milk 150g raisins lemon zest