Sweet cheese pasca

Sweet cheese pasca - a traditional dessert, full of flavor and love, perfect for holidays and beyond. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a delicacy that will delight both family and guests. Each bite is an explosion of textures and aromas, and its preparation becomes a family tradition that brings joy and unforgettable memories.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the starter:
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 50 ml warm milk (from the total amount)

For the dough:
- 600 g flour
- 300 ml warm milk
- 60 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 500 g cream cheese (ideally at room temperature)
- 150-200 g sugar (to taste)
- 100 ml sour cream
- 3 eggs
- 3 teaspoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 pinch of salt

For brushing:
- 1 beaten egg

Preparation of Sweet Cheese Pasca

1. Starter: Begin by preparing the starter. In a small bowl, crumble the yeast and add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Pour in 50 ml of warm milk and mix gently until the yeast dissolves. Add 1 tablespoon of flour and mix well. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 15 minutes. You will notice that the starter becomes frothy, which is a sign that the yeast is active.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In another bowl, place the cream cheese at room temperature and mix it with a mixer until it becomes fluffy. Add the sugar and a pinch of salt, continuing to mix until the mixture is homogeneous. Gradually incorporate the flour, then the sour cream. Finally, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the sifted flour, eggs, sugar, and the risen starter. Start kneading, gradually adding the milk mixed with water until you obtain a homogeneous dough. This will be the base of your pasca. Once you have a uniform dough, add the oil and continue kneading for 10-15 minutes until the oil is fully incorporated.

4. Rising the dough: Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a towel, for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in volume. This process is essential for obtaining a fluffy and aromatic pasca.

5. Shaping the pasca: Once the dough has risen, remove it to a floured surface and knead it gently to release the air. Divide the dough into two parts: one part will be used for the base of the pasca, and the other part will be divided into three, each piece being rolled into a thin strand. Braid the three strands and set aside.

6. Assembling the pasca: Roll out the first part of the dough into a round sheet and place it in a round baking pan lined with parchment paper. Place the braided dough around the edge of the pan, and in the center add the cheese filling. Let the pasca rise again for 20-30 minutes, covered.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the pasca with the beaten egg for a golden and appetizing crust. Bake the pasca for 40-45 minutes, or until it is golden on top and the filling is firm.

8. Finishing: When the pasca is ready, remove it from the oven and brush it with a mixture of water and sugar to give it a nice shine. Let it cool in the pan, then transfer it to a cooling rack.

Serving suggestions: Sweet cheese pasca is wonderful both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a berry sauce for a delicious contrast. A cup of tea or coffee pairs perfectly with this dessert.

Tips and variations: If you want a more aromatic version, you can add grated lemon or orange zest to the cheese filling for an extra freshness. Another idea is to replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie yet equally tasty option.

Nutritional benefits: Sweet cheese pasca is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs used. Whole wheat flour can be a healthier choice, adding extra fiber to the diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use cottage cheese instead of cream cheese? Yes, but make sure the cheese is well drained to avoid making the filling too wet.
- How can I store the pasca? The pasca keeps well at room temperature for a few days, but you can freeze it for a longer duration. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

I wish you happy cooking and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen, creating delicious memories with this sweet cheese pasca! Enjoy!