Cheese Pastry

Cheese Pastry - A Traditional Delicacy with Holiday Flavor

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12-14

Introduction

Holidays are a wonderful opportunity to share special moments with loved ones, and cheese pastry is undoubtedly a recipe that brings joy and flavor to every home. This traditional delicacy, with a fine dough and creamy cheese filling, is perfect for enjoying with family and friends. It can be served both at breakfast and as a refined dessert. Let’s discover together how to prepare this simple and delicious recipe, step by step!

Necessary ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 100 g margarine or butter
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch of baking powder

For the filling:
- 1 kg cottage cheese
- 250 g butter or margarine
- 400 g sugar (can be adjusted according to preferences, I recommend 250 g)
- 4-5 eggs (if smaller, use 5 eggs)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding
- Raisins (soaked in warm water)
- A pinch of salt

A bit of history

Cheese pastry, a symbol of holidays, is often associated with family traditions and moments of celebration. Over time, the recipe has undergone numerous variations, but its essence remains the same: love and joy in sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. This cheese pastry recipe is a contemporary version, yet it maintains traditional techniques and ingredients.

Preparing the dough

1. Start by preparing the dough. Add to the food processor the flour, cubed margarine or butter, sugar, cocoa, egg, and baking powder.
2. Mix the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous but slightly sticky dough. It is normal for the dough to be like this, as it will become easier to handle after it has cooled.
3. Wet your fingers with water to work with the dough more easily.
4. Line a detachable cake pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter.
5. Divide the dough into two parts, setting aside a small piece of dough for decoration.
6. Roll out the dough into a thin, even layer that covers the bottom of the pan and rises halfway up the sides.

Preparing the filling

1. In the same food processor, add the cottage cheese, room temperature butter (or margarine), sugar, eggs, vanilla sugar, pudding powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Mix well until you obtain a fine and creamy composition. It is essential that the cheese is well homogenized to avoid lumps.
3. Add the soaked raisins and gently mix with a spatula to distribute them evenly in the filling.

Assembling the pastry

1. Pour the cheese filling over the dough in the pan, ensuring it is evenly leveled.
2. From the reserved dough, form small balls that you will sprinkle on top of the filling for a rustic and appetizing look.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Bake the pastry for about 15 minutes at high heat, then reduce the temperature to 160°C and continue baking for another 1 hour and 15 minutes.
3. Check if the pastry is baked by doing the toothpick test; if it comes out clean, the pastry is ready.
4. Turn off the oven and let the pastry cool inside to avoid sudden cracking.

Serving

Let the pastry cool completely before removing it from the pan. You can decorate it with a little powdered sugar for an elegant look. It is delicious both warm and cold and pairs perfectly with a fragrant tea or sweet wine.

Variations and useful tips

- You can add additional flavors, such as lemon or orange zest, to give the filling a fresh touch.
- If you want a lighter version, use low-fat cottage cheese and replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners.
- Experiment with different types of raisins, such as golden or black ones, or add chopped nuts for extra crunchiness.

Nutritional benefits

Cheese pastry is an excellent source of protein and calcium due to the cottage cheese. It also contains carbohydrates from flour and sugar, providing the necessary energy for the entire day. When consumed in moderation, this delicacy can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different texture.

2. What other fillings can I try?
Try chocolate or berry filling for a different taste.

3. How can I store the pastry?
The pastry can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to a week.

4. Is this a suitable recipe for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using vegan alternatives for cheese and eggs, but the result will be different.

In conclusion, cheese pastry is not just a simple recipe but also a cooking experience filled with tradition and love. I encourage you to try it and bring a touch of magic into your home. Enjoy every slice and cherish beautiful moments with your loved ones!