Sweet cheese pasca

Sweet Cheese Pastry – A Traditional Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn’t love the enticing aroma of a freshly baked dessert? Sweet cheese pastry is a traditional recipe that brings joy and warmth to the hearts of all who savor it. This delicacy, often associated with Easter celebrations, is distinguished by its fluffy dough and creamy cheese filling. From my experience, I will share a detailed recipe full of useful tips to ensure that each step is a success.

Necessary ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 300 g sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 180 g margarine + oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 80 g fresh yeast
- 500 ml lukewarm milk
- 4 packets vanilla sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange

For the filling:
- 1 kg cottage cheese (ideally use well-drained cheese for the perfect texture)
- 300 g sugar
- 5 egg yolks
- 4 packets vanilla sugar
- 100 g raisins (optional, but recommended)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 egg yolk for brushing

Step-by-step preparation

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 80 g of fresh yeast with 100 ml of lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and 2 tablespoons of flour. Mix well, then let the starter rise in a warm place for 15-20 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step for achieving a fluffy dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift 1 kg of flour. Add the salt, lemon and orange zest, sugar, and the activated yeast. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with 300 ml of lukewarm milk, then add the mixture to the flour bowl. Incorporate the melted margarine and oil (for added flavor and texture). Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and pulls away from the bowl's sides.

3. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour). An ideal place for rising is near a heat source, such as a preheated oven (but turned off).

4. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the well-drained cottage cheese with 300 g of sugar, vanilla sugar, egg yolks, lemon zest, and raisins (if using). Ensure that the filling is smooth and creamy to achieve a delicious pastry.

5. Assembling the pastry: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a thin sheet of 3-4 mm. Place the sheet in a greased baking dish, trimming the excess edges for a neat appearance. Pour the cheese filling into the dish and level it evenly. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and brush with egg yolk for a shiny finish.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pastry in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until golden and firm. A few minutes before the baking is done, you can check the pastry by gently pressing it; if it springs back, it’s ready.

7. Cooling and serving: After removing the pastry from the oven, let it cool in the dish for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It is important to let the pastry cool as the cheese will firm up slightly, making it perfect for slicing.

Practical tips

- Flour: Use type 000 flour for a finer dough. If you want to experiment, you can try replacing some of the flour with almond flour or whole wheat flour for a different taste.
- Cheese: Choosing the right cheese is crucial. A fresh, well-drained cheese will ensure a creamy and delicious filling. Avoid wet cheese, which can make the mixture too heavy.
- Raisins: If you want an extra flavor boost, you can soak the raisins in a little rum or orange juice before adding them to the filling.
- Serving: The pastry is delicious served plain, but you can pair it with sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast. It also goes wonderfully with fruit tea or sweet wine.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought cottage cheese?
Yes, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid a too-soft filling.

2. What can I use instead of raisins?
You can replace raisins with dried cranberries or nuts for a different taste.

3. How can I store the pastry?
It stores well at room temperature for 2-3 days, and in the refrigerator, it can last up to a week.

4. Can I freeze the pastry?
Yes, you can freeze the pastry, but make sure to wrap it well to avoid drying out.

Sweet cheese pastry is more than just a dessert; it’s a true tradition filled with memories and beautiful moments. With every bite, you will feel the warmth of home and the joy of celebrations. So, I encourage you to try this recipe and bring a touch of our tradition to your table. Enjoy!