Sweet cheese cake

Sweet cheese cake - a refined and decadent dessert, perfect for moments of indulgence or to impress guests at a special occasion. This recipe is simple, yet the result is simply amazing. Moreover, with each slice, the sweet story of cheese and cookies intertwines with textures and flavors that will delight your senses.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Your basic ingredients:

*For the crust:*
- 200 g soft cookies (digestive or cocoa cookies are ideal for an intense flavor)
- 150 g Rama margarine (or butter, if you prefer a richer taste)
- 4 drops of vanilla essence (for a warm and comforting aroma)

*For the filling:*
- 700 g cheese (cottage cheese or ricotta, make sure it is well drained to avoid excess water)
- 250 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 5 eggs (ideal for providing structure to the filling)
- 50 g raisins (you can also use cranberries or dried apricots for a fruity note)
- 50 g milk chocolate (buy quality chocolate for a more intense flavor)
- 3 tablespoons of semolina (helps bind the mixture)
- 2 drops of rum essence (for a subtle aromatic note)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the crust:
Start by crushing the cookies in a large bowl. You can use a food processor for a fine texture, but a rolling pin or a plastic bag can work wonders too. Add the melted margarine and vanilla essence, mixing well until you obtain a homogeneous dough. If you want to enrich the aroma, you can add a pinch of cinnamon.

2. Forming the base:
Grease a baking dish with margarine (or butter), ensuring the sides are evenly coated. Spread the cookie dough in the dish, forming an even base about 2-4 cm thick. Press firmly to secure it. Then, place the dish in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 10 minutes. When done, remove it from the oven and let it cool.

3. Preparing the filling:
In a large bowl, mix the cheese with sugar and eggs, using a mixer or whisk, until you get a smooth paste. It is important that the cheese is well drained; otherwise, the filling will be too wet. Then add the raisins and finely chopped chocolate. Mix all the ingredients until homogeneous. If the mixture is a bit soft, add the 3 tablespoons of semolina, which will help thicken it.

4. Finalizing:
For an extra flavor, drizzle the mixture with rum essence. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and level the surface with a spatula for an even texture. Bake the cake at medium heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is firm and passes the toothpick test.

5. Cooling and serving:
After the cake is baked, let it cool completely in the baking dish. This will help stabilize the texture. You can decorate it with some grated chocolate or whipped cream for an elegant look. Serve the sweet cheese cake alongside a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect contrast.

Suggestions and variations:
- You can add flavors like lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus taste.
- Replace chocolate with cocoa or dark chocolate for a more intense note.
- Add chopped nuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.

Nutritional information:
This cake, rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, provides a good source of calcium. Although it is a sweet dessert, you can adjust the sugar amount to make it healthier. A slice has about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use soy or vegan cheese?
Yes, to make a vegan version, you can replace the cheese with a soy or almond-based product.
2. How can I store the cake?
It keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.
3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake after it has completely cooled. Make sure it is well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

The sweet cheese cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings joy in every slice. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for loved ones, it is a wonderful way to blend tradition with culinary innovation. So, gather your ingredients and let the magic of cooking take you away!