Sweet cheese pie

Sweet Cheese Pasca Recipe: A Traditional Delight for Holidays

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Sweet cheese pasca is a traditional dessert, rich in flavor and symbolism, often associated with Easter celebrations. This recipe, made with simple and healthy ingredients, combines the delicate flavors of cheese with the sweetness of raspberries and citrus, creating a dish that will bring joy to any festive table. Whether it's a family gathering or a party with friends, your pasca will surely be the star of the evening!

Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 kg of white flour
- 4 egg yolks
- 250 g sugar
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of one lemon
- 100 g melted margarine
- 500 ml lukewarm milk

Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g sweet cow cheese (well-drained)
- 5 eggs
- 300 g sugar (or to taste)
- 50 g raisins
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of orange

Preparing the Dough:

1. Sifting the Flour: Start by sifting the flour into a deep bowl. This step not only removes any impurities but also aerates the flour, making the dough fluffier.

2. Yeast: In the center of the flour, make a well and add the yeast. Then, add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 100 ml of lukewarm milk. Lightly cover with flour and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to activate the yeast. This step is essential for obtaining a well-risen dough.

3. Adding Ingredients: Once the yeast is activated, add the yolks mixed with sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding lukewarm milk until the dough becomes smooth and pulls away from your hands.

4. Incorporating Margarine: Finally, add the melted margarine and continue kneading for a few minutes to fully integrate all ingredients.

5. First Rising: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

Preparing the Filling:

1. Mixing the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the sweet cow cheese with the eggs, sugar, raisins, vanilla sugar, and orange zest. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence.

2. Greasing the Form: Before adding the filling, grease the tart pan with a little oil and line it with water. This simple trick will prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

Assembling and Baking the Pasca:

1. Shaping the Dough: After the dough has risen, take a portion of it and roll it into a round sheet, large enough to cover the bottom of the tart pan.

2. Shaping the Strips: From the remaining dough, form rolls, which you braid two by two. Place them around the edge of the dough in the pan, creating a beautiful pattern. These braids not only look good but also help support the filling.

3. Adding the Filling: Fill the empty spaces with the cheese mixture. Make sure the filling does not exceed the edge of the dough to avoid overflow.

4. Brushing with Egg: Beat an egg and brush it over the pasca to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pasca for 50-60 minutes or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch.

Serving and Variations:

Once the pasca is baked, let it cool slightly in the pan, then remove it and place it on a platter. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for added sweetness. Serve alongside fruit tea or sweet wine, and the taste will be truly exquisite.

Practical Tips:
- You can also add some nuts or almonds to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a more intense taste, replace the sugar in the filling with honey.
- Make sure the cheese is well-drained to avoid a too-wet filling.

Nutritional Benefits:
Sweet cheese pasca is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, and the sugar can be adjusted according to your preferences. It is an excellent choice for a festive meal, bringing joy and fulfillment.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought cheese? Yes, but make sure it is of good quality and well-drained.
- How can I keep the pasca longer? You can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a few days.

This sweet cheese pasca recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of tradition and joy to your home. So get ready to impress everyone with this delicacy!