Cheese baskets

Cheese Baskets – A Delicious and Simple Recipe

If you’re looking for an elegant and savory appetizer, cheese baskets are the perfect choice. These little delights made from puff pastry, filled with a delicious cheese cream, are great for any festive meal or a relaxing evening with friends. Let’s embark on a cooking adventure together and discover how to prepare these wonderful baskets!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 baskets

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 package of puff pastry (approximately 275 g)
- 200 g telemea cheese
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 70 g smoked ham
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- Oil for greasing the molds

Necessary equipment:

- Baking tray
- Mini tart molds
- Grater
- Large bowl
- Fork
- Garlic press

A Brief History of the Recipe:

Cheese baskets have a long-standing tradition, being loved in many cuisines around the world. They symbolize hospitality and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. Puff pastry, known for its airy and crispy texture, has gained popularity through various cooking methods, quickly becoming a favorite in appetizer preparations. The cheese filling, on the other hand, reflects a love for simple and natural ingredients, which transform into something truly special through clever combinations.

Steps to Prepare Cheese Baskets:

1. Preparing the Puff Pastry:
- Start by preheating the oven to 180 °C.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a clean surface and cut circles using a glass or a knife. The ideal size is approximately 10 cm in diameter, but you can adjust it based on the size of the mini tart molds you are using.

2. Forming the Baskets:
- Grease the mini tart molds with a little oil to prevent sticking. Place the pastry circles into the molds, pressing gently to fit the shape.
- You can use a fork to create small holes in the bottom of the baskets, which will help with even baking and prevent excessive puffing of the pastry.

3. Baking the Pastry:
- Place the molds on a baking tray and put them in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the baskets are golden and crispy. Once baked, let them cool slightly in the molds, then carefully remove them onto a serving platter.

4. Preparing the Cheese Cream:
- While the pastry is baking, you can prepare the filling. Grate the telemea cheese using a coarse grater and crumble the cottage cheese with a fork in a large bowl.
- Press the garlic using the garlic press and chop the smoked ham into small cubes. Add all the ingredients to the bowl: telemea cheese, cottage cheese, garlic, ham cubes, butter, and freshly ground pepper. Mix well until you obtain a smooth mixture.

5. Filling the Baskets:
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each basket with the cheese cream. Let your imagination run wild! Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra splash of color and flavor.

6. Serving:
- Cheese baskets are delicious served warm, but they are also great at room temperature. You can garnish each basket with a fresh parsley leaf or a few slices of olives for an attractive look. These appetizers pair perfectly with a shot of țuică or wine. You can even serve them alongside a fresh green salad for a pleasant contrast.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Result:

- Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality cheese to achieve a creamy and flavorful filling. Always check the ingredients to ensure they are fresh.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding olives or roasted peppers to the filling for a different taste. You can also substitute the smoked ham with crispy bacon or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Storing the Baskets: If you have leftover baskets, you can store them in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

- Calories: approximately 180 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
- Yes, store-bought puff pastry is perfect for this recipe and will save you time.

2. How can I make the baskets less greasy?
- You can reduce the amount of butter used or opt for low-fat cheese.

3. Can I freeze the baskets?
- It’s recommended to freeze them before baking. Place them on a tray, freeze them, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to prepare them, let them thaw and bake according to the instructions.

4. What other dishes pair well with cheese baskets?
- These baskets go well with a creamy vegetable soup or a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers, bringing a perfect balance of flavors.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe and that it inspires you to cook these delicious baskets! Don’t forget to share the results with your loved ones and savor every bite. Enjoy your meal!