cheese-filled crown

Cheese-filled Crown: A Traditional Delight, Perfect for Any Occasion

Total Preparation Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Allow me to take you on a journey filled with flavors, textures, and refined tastes as we prepare a cheese-filled crown together. This delicious dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a symbol of conviviality and culinary traditions. Whether you want to serve it at a festive meal or add a touch of sweetness to your daily routine, this recipe is sure to impress!

The history of this recipe is tied to moments of celebration and joy when families gather around the table. The cheese-filled crown is often associated with holidays but can be enjoyed anytime, especially when you're in the mood for a dessert that delights the senses.

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 500 g all-purpose flour (ideal for achieving a fluffy and aromatic dough)
- 180 ml warm milk
- 100 g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 100 g melted butter (at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- A pinch of salt
- 20 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- Flavorings to taste (a packet of vanilla and the grated zest of one lemon)

*For the filling:*
- 500 g sweet cheese (preferably cow's cheese for a smooth texture)
- 100 g telemea cheese (for a salty taste and authentic aroma)
- 4 egg yolks
- 2-3 tablespoons sour cream (for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons semolina (to thicken the filling)
- 200 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon

Step by step: Preparing the Cheese-Filled Crown

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough, as the air helps develop the gluten.

2. Preparing the yeast starter: In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast along with a teaspoon of sugar, 50 ml of warm milk, and a tablespoon of flour. Mix well and let it sit in a warm place for 10-15 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.

3. Heating the milk: In a small saucepan, heat the remaining milk with the sugar until dissolved completely. Once it boils, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with a pinch of salt, add the vanilla and lemon zest. Then, pour the warm milk and yeast starter into the center of the flour. Begin mixing gently with a spatula, gradually incorporating the flour.

5. Kneading the dough: Once the ingredients start to come together, add the melted butter gradually and continue kneading the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

6. First rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a cotton towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour or until it doubles in volume.

7. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In another bowl, mash the sweet cheese with a fork, add the grated telemea, sour cream, and semolina. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla sugar, then combine the cheese mixture with this. Mix well until you get a smooth cream.

8. Shaping the crown: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface, forming a thin sheet. Spread the cheese filling evenly over the entire surface. Roll the sheet tightly, then shape it into a crown, joining the ends.

9. Second rise: Place the crown in a round baking pan lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 15 minutes.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the crown with a beaten egg for a golden and beautiful crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown and baked through.

11. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the crown cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then gently remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Finally, dust with powdered sugar for a festive appearance.

Serving suggestions: The cheese-filled crown is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a cup of coffee or aromatic tea. An excellent combination would also be with a berry sauce or apricot jam.

Possible variations: If you wish to experiment, you can add raisins to the filling or substitute sweet cheese with goat cheese for a more intense flavor. You can also flavor the dough with cinnamon or cardamom for an exotic touch.

Nutritional information: A serving of the crown (approximately 100 g) contains about 250 calories, making it a satisfying choice for a sweet snack. Cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, and butter provides healthy fats in moderation, of course!

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, about 7 g. Activate it according to the instructions on the package.

- What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure that the yeast is fresh and that you’ve left the dough in a warm, draft-free place. If it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise properly.

- How can I store the crown?
The crown keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its fluffy texture.

With this recipe for a cheese-filled crown, you have all the ingredients needed to create an unforgettable dessert that will bring joy and flavor to your home. So put on your chef's attire and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking!