Cottage cheese cake

Cottage cheese cake is a classic dessert that brings back memories of Sunday meals spent with family. With a fluffy crust and a creamy filling, this simple recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. I invite you to discover each step of this delicious preparation with me.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the crust:*
- 350-400 g flour
- 250 g margarine
- 200 ml milk (or water)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast

*For the filling:*
- 760 g sweet cheese (preferably cow's cheese)
- 250 g cow's telemea cheese (finely grated)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 1 tablespoon sugar

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the crust:
- Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Make sure it is well aerated to achieve a fluffy crust.
- Add the dry yeast, which will help with rising, and mix gently. If you prefer, you can use fresh yeast, but you'll need to dissolve it in a little warm milk before adding it to the flour.
- Melt the margarine in a pot that you've placed in the warm oven. The melted margarine will add a rich flavor to the crust. It is important not to let it boil, just melt it.
- Add the melted margarine to the bowl with the flour, along with the milk (or water), salt, and sugar. Mix well until you achieve a uniform dough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial, as the yeast will start to work, and the dough will rise and become airy.

2. Preparing the filling:
- In another bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Here, if you want a richer flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence.
- Add the sweet cheese and the finely grated telemea cheese, mixing well to avoid lumps. The sweet cheese will provide a creamy taste, while the telemea will add a salty and delicious note.
- Incorporate the semolina into the mixture; this will help the filling bind better and have a pleasant texture.

3. Assembling the cake:
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first sheet of dough on a floured surface, making sure to achieve a size of about 30x35 cm. Transfer the sheet to the baking tray, which you can line with baking paper to prevent sticking.
- Pour the cheese filling over the first sheet of dough and spread it evenly.
- Roll out the second sheet of dough and place it over the filling, gently pressing the edges to seal the cake.

4. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C. To achieve a golden crust, bake the cake for 30-40 minutes, or until it becomes nicely browned. You can check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the middle of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

5. Cooling and serving:
- Let the cake cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. This step will help achieve an ideal texture.
- Serve the cottage cheese cake as a simple dessert, alongside a scoop of yogurt or a dollop of sour cream. You can also add fresh seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a flavor contrast.

Useful tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can replace some of the sweet cheese with goat cheese.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it will be just as delicious served at room temperature.
- An interesting variation is to add a few raisins or candied fruits to the filling, which will bring a note of sweetness.

Nutritional benefits:
This cottage cheese cake is a good source of calcium and protein due to the cheese, and the semolina provides essential carbohydrates for energy. Additionally, the margarine adds healthy fats, but remember to consume it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use soy cheese instead of sweet cheese? Yes, but make sure to add a little more sugar to compensate for the taste.
- Is this recipe vegan? No, but you can replace the eggs with a vegan substitute, such as banana puree or flaxseeds.
- What drinks pair well with this cake? A cup of herbal tea or a cappuccino would be excellent choices to balance the sweetness of the dessert.

I encourage you to experiment with this recipe and add your personal touch. Every cake you prepare is a story you share with your loved ones, and this is one of those desserts that will surely bring smiles to everyone's faces. Enjoy!