Sweet cheese pie like mom's – A delicacy from the heart of traditions
Who doesn't fondly remember the smell of freshly baked pies wafting through the house during childhood? My mother is an expert at treating us to sweets, and the sweet cheese pie is one of her most beloved recipes. This simple yet flavorful dessert is a true culinary treasure that reminds us of simpler times and the goodies made with love. I invite you to discover this delicious recipe with me, perfect for enjoying with family or friends!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g flour (type 000 or 650)
- 2 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
- 300 g margarine
- Warm milk, as needed to obtain a suitably soft dough
Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 kg sweet cheese (similar to ricotta)
- 2 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 300 g raisins
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream
A bit of history:
Sweet cheese pie has deep roots in the culinary traditions of mountainous regions, where dairy products were commonplace. Cheese, a milk derivative, is used in various sweet and savory dishes, and cheese pies are often associated with celebrations and family gatherings. This pie is not just a dessert; it is a bridge between generations, a symbol of love and warmth from home.
Step by step for a perfect pie:
1. Preparing the dough:
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the yeast cube with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a little warm milk, stirring well until the yeast dissolves. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until a foam forms on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture, egg yolks, and melted (but cooled) margarine. Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula, gradually adding warm milk until you obtain a soft dough that does not stick to your hands. It is important not to add too much milk at once, so add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Kneading:
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This process is essential for activating the gluten in the flour, which will give the pie a fluffy texture.
4. Preparing the filling:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy, gradually adding the 5 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a glossy meringue. Add the sweet cheese, raisins, lemon zest, and whipped cream, gently mixing to preserve the airiness of the composition.
5. Assembling the pie:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first part into a thin sheet and place it in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Spread the cheese filling evenly, then roll out the second sheet of dough, pricking it in several places with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish in the heated oven. Bake the pie for 20-30 minutes, depending on your oven, until it becomes golden and nicely browned at the edges.
7. Serving:
Once the pie is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Dust it generously with powdered vanilla sugar for an attractive appearance and sweet taste. This pie is delicious warm but also cold, making it a versatile dessert perfect for any time of the day.
Tips and useful advice:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace some of the raisins with chopped nuts or almonds.
- The pie keeps well in the fridge, and the taste gets even better the next day as the flavors meld perfectly.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the cheese with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta, but cheese provides a specific texture and a sweeter taste.
2. How can I make the pie less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling, but remember that sugar helps create a pleasant texture.
3. What drinks pair well with this pie?
A cup of herbal tea or a glass of warm milk is ideal. If you prefer something more sophisticated, a sweet white wine can perfectly complement the pie's flavor.
4. How can I vary the recipe?
You can add spices like vanilla or cinnamon to the filling or even pieces of fruit for a fresh note.
The sweet cheese pie is not just a dessert but a recipe that brings us together, inviting us to enjoy moments spent in the kitchen. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this pie is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Who doesn't fondly remember the smell of freshly baked pies wafting through the house during childhood? My mother is an expert at treating us to sweets, and the sweet cheese pie is one of her most beloved recipes. This simple yet flavorful dessert is a true culinary treasure that reminds us of simpler times and the goodies made with love. I invite you to discover this delicious recipe with me, perfect for enjoying with family or friends!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g flour (type 000 or 650)
- 2 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
- 300 g margarine
- Warm milk, as needed to obtain a suitably soft dough
Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 kg sweet cheese (similar to ricotta)
- 2 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 300 g raisins
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream
A bit of history:
Sweet cheese pie has deep roots in the culinary traditions of mountainous regions, where dairy products were commonplace. Cheese, a milk derivative, is used in various sweet and savory dishes, and cheese pies are often associated with celebrations and family gatherings. This pie is not just a dessert; it is a bridge between generations, a symbol of love and warmth from home.
Step by step for a perfect pie:
1. Preparing the dough:
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the yeast cube with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a little warm milk, stirring well until the yeast dissolves. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until a foam forms on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture, egg yolks, and melted (but cooled) margarine. Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula, gradually adding warm milk until you obtain a soft dough that does not stick to your hands. It is important not to add too much milk at once, so add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Kneading:
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This process is essential for activating the gluten in the flour, which will give the pie a fluffy texture.
4. Preparing the filling:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy, gradually adding the 5 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a glossy meringue. Add the sweet cheese, raisins, lemon zest, and whipped cream, gently mixing to preserve the airiness of the composition.
5. Assembling the pie:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first part into a thin sheet and place it in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Spread the cheese filling evenly, then roll out the second sheet of dough, pricking it in several places with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish in the heated oven. Bake the pie for 20-30 minutes, depending on your oven, until it becomes golden and nicely browned at the edges.
7. Serving:
Once the pie is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Dust it generously with powdered vanilla sugar for an attractive appearance and sweet taste. This pie is delicious warm but also cold, making it a versatile dessert perfect for any time of the day.
Tips and useful advice:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace some of the raisins with chopped nuts or almonds.
- The pie keeps well in the fridge, and the taste gets even better the next day as the flavors meld perfectly.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the cheese with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta, but cheese provides a specific texture and a sweeter taste.
2. How can I make the pie less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling, but remember that sugar helps create a pleasant texture.
3. What drinks pair well with this pie?
A cup of herbal tea or a glass of warm milk is ideal. If you prefer something more sophisticated, a sweet white wine can perfectly complement the pie's flavor.
4. How can I vary the recipe?
You can add spices like vanilla or cinnamon to the filling or even pieces of fruit for a fresh note.
The sweet cheese pie is not just a dessert but a recipe that brings us together, inviting us to enjoy moments spent in the kitchen. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this pie is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!