Sweet cheese pasca

Sweet Cheese Pastry - A Traditional Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the world of flavors and traditions! Today, we aim to prepare a delicious sweet cheese pastry, a dessert that perfectly combines the soft texture of cheese with the subtle aroma of vanilla. It is a perfect dessert for holidays or special moments spent with loved ones. Let’s get started!

Ingredients needed

For the dough:
- 300g wheat flour (choose a quality flour for a fluffier dough)
- 50g butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar (with a low vanilla content for a mild flavor)
- 1 piece of yeast (the size of a walnut, fresh)
- 150ml sweet milk (warm, to activate the yeast)
- 50ml oil (to make the dough softer)
- 1 pinch of salt (to enhance the flavors)

For the filling:
- 500g sweet cow cheese (choose a fine cheese without whey)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar (again, with a low vanilla content)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 100g raisins (can be soaked in warm water or rum)
- 1 pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

For brushing the pastry:
- 1 egg (beaten, for a golden crust)

Step by step - Preparing the pastry

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate the ingredient. Add the egg, melted butter, salt, and yeast dissolved in warm milk with the vanilla sugar.
2. Knead the ingredients together, gradually adding the oil. Knead until the dough becomes elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl and your hands.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 30 minutes).

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. In another bowl, combine the sweet cheese, vanilla sugar, sour cream, eggs, salt, and raisins. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. You can also add a splash of vanilla essence or lemon zest for extra flavor.

Step 3: Assembling the pastry
1. Once the dough has risen, break off a piece and roll out a sheet that fits the baking pan lined with parchment paper.
2. From the remaining dough, break off small pieces and form thin strips, which you will braid into three. These will be used to decorate the pastry.
3. Place the braided strips around the edge of the pan, then pour the cheese mixture in the center.
4. With another braided strip, create a cross and place it over the filling.

Step 4: Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust.
2. Bake the pastry for about 60 minutes, until it becomes golden and firm to the touch.

Step 5: Cooling and serving
1. Once baked, remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool in the pan. Then, if you didn’t use a springform pan, grab it by the edges of the parchment paper and transfer it to a plate.
2. Cut generous portions and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee.

Useful tips
- Cheese: Choose a quality sweet cow cheese, as this will make a difference in the final taste of the pastry. You can also use goat cheese for a more savory note.
- Raisins: Soaking the raisins in warm water or rum not only makes them softer but also adds a pleasant flavor.
- Decoration: If you want to impress, use a knife to make small cuts in the dough strips, giving them a more artistic look.
- Variations: You can add dark chocolate or candied fruits to the cheese filling to create a pastry with a unique taste.

Nutritional benefits
Sweet cheese pastry is an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the sour cream adds a touch of healthy fats. Consumed in moderation, it is a dessert that can provide the energy needed for an active day.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use soy cheese instead of cow cheese?
Yes, for a vegan option, soy cheese is a good alternative, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I keep the pastry longer?
Store the pastry in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, where it can last a few days.

3. Can the pastry be frozen?
Yes, after it has completely cooled, the pastry can be frozen. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion
Sweet cheese pastry is not just a dessert but a true tradition that brings joy to any household. It is simple to prepare, and with a little patience, you will achieve an extraordinary result that will surely impress everyone. So gather your family and friends around the table and enjoy this delicacy together! Enjoy your meal!