Traditional Easter Cake

Cheese Pastry Recipe - A Holiday Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Holidays are special occasions when we gather with loved ones, and food plays a central role in these moments. Among traditional delights, cheese pastry stands out for its rich flavor and creamy texture, becoming a symbol of the holiday table. While some may consider this dish should be called 'cheese cake', the pastry carries a history rooted in culinary traditions and offers a connection to ancient customs.

Cheese pastry is a simple recipe but with an impressive result, blending fluffy dough with delicious cheese filling. Whether you serve it warm, freshly out of the oven, or cold after a few hours of resting, each slice will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:
- 500 g leftover sweet bread dough (or fresh, if you prefer)
- 500 g well-drained fresh cottage cheese
- 5 eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 100 g raisins (previously soaked in warm water or rum)
- A pinch of salt
- Butter for greasing the pan
- Flour or baking paper for lining the pan

Preparation:

1. Preparing the pan: Start by preparing a cake pan or a pot. Grease the inside well with butter and line it with flour or baking paper. This step is essential to prevent the pastry from sticking to the pan, ensuring you can easily turn it out after baking.

2. Forming the base: Take a piece of the sweet bread dough and flatten it with your palms until you achieve a round shape, which will constitute the base of the pastry. Ensure the dough is even so it bakes uniformly.

3. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, combine the fresh cottage cheese with the 5 eggs. Add the lemon zest, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and the raisins. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or mixer until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. This filling will bring a perfectly balanced sweet-sour taste.

4. Assembling the pastry: After preparing the filling, take the remaining dough and form a roll to place around the edge of the pan, creating a wall for the filling. Pour the cheese mixture into the center of the pan, being careful not to exceed the edge of the dough.

5. Decorating: From the leftover dough, you can form a cross or other decorative shapes on top of the cheese. This detail will not only add a festive look but also help with even baking. Brush the edge dough and cross with an egg yolk for a nice shine.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170°C (low heat) and place the pan in the oven. Bake the pastry for 40-50 minutes, or until it turns golden and the filling is well cooked. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to allow the pastry to rise beautifully.

7. Cooling: After the pastry is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. Then, with a knife, gently run along the edges to release it, and turn it out onto a platter. You can decorate it with a little powdered sugar if you wish.

8. Serving: Cheese pastry is served warm or at room temperature, alongside a glass of sweet wine or a fragrant tea. It is a dessert that can be easily enjoyed at festive meals or even as a delicious snack.

Useful tips:
- If you want a more aromatic pastry, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence or a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.
- Instead of raisins, you can also use candied fruits or nuts to vary the textures and flavors.
- The sweet bread dough can be replaced with puff pastry for a quicker version, but the traditional version is with sweet bread dough.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can replace cottage cheese with ricotta or well-drained telemea cheese, but make sure to adjust the sugar amount according to the taste of the cheese used.
- How can I store the pastry? It keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for a week.

Nutritional benefits:
Cheese pastry is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. It also contains carbohydrates from the sweet bread dough, making it a substantial dessert. However, it is important to note that, having a higher calorie content, it is recommended to be consumed in moderation.

Delicious combinations:
This pastry pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce. You can serve it alongside a fragrant coffee for a perfect brunch, or with a glass of sweet wine for a festive evening.

Remember, cooking is an art, and each recipe has its story. Whether you choose to follow my instructions step by step or bring your own variations, your pastry will surely be a success! Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and every slice savored with your loved ones!