sweet-salty cheese pie

Sweet and Savory Cheese Pie: A Culinary Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Welcome to the world of delicious flavors! Today, I will guide you step by step to prepare a sweet and savory cheese pie, a classic recipe that perfectly combines the sweet taste of cheese with the savory flavor of telemea cheese. This dessert brings back warm and kind memories, making it perfect to enjoy with loved ones.

A Brief History of Cheese Pie

Cheese pies have been cherished for centuries, forming an integral part of traditional cuisine. They are often associated with celebrations and festive meals, bringing a touch of joy to every home. Cooking is an art form, and the sweet and savory cheese pie is a masterpiece that combines the crunchy texture of the pastry layers with a creamy and flavorful filling.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicacy, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 package of pastry sheets (approximately 400-500 g)
- 200 g butter or margarine
- 250 g sweet cheese (preferably cow's cheese)
- 200 g grated telemea cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- Rum essence (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- Raisins, to taste (optional, about 100 g)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by letting the pastry sheets sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This will make them easier to handle and prevent them from tearing. Make sure you have all your ingredients ready before you begin.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sweet cheese and grated telemea cheese. Use a fork or spatula to mix them well. Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and rum essence. Mix everything until you achieve a smooth consistency. If you like raisins, add them now and gently mix.

Step 3: Assembling the Pie

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a baking dish, melt the butter or margarine and generously grease the bottom and sides of the dish. Take a pastry sheet, brush it with melted butter, and place it in the dish. Repeat this process for about half of the pastry sheets, greasing each one.

Step 4: Filling

Once you have placed half of the pastry sheets, pour the cheese filling evenly over the surface of the sheets. This step is crucial for achieving a tasty and well-balanced pie. Continue layering the remaining pastry sheets, greasing them with melted butter in between.

Step 5: Baking

After finishing with the pastry sheets, brush the top sheet with butter so that it becomes golden and crispy while baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the pie for 35-40 minutes or until it turns golden and crispy. The aroma that will fill your kitchen while baking is simply irresistible!

Step 6: Serving

Once the pie is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve it plain or alongside a scoop of Greek yogurt, which will add a touch of freshness. Additionally, a berry sauce or vanilla ice cream can turn this dessert into a true delicacy.

Practical Tips

- If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of sugar by one or two tablespoons.
- You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as chocolate or nuts, to create interesting variations of the recipe.
- Substitute the sweet cheese with ricotta for a different texture that is equally delicious.

Nutritional Benefits

This pie is a good source of calcium due to the cheese and eggs included. Additionally, if you use low-fat butter or margarine, you can create a dessert with fewer calories, ideal for those monitoring their caloric intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pastry sheets?
Yes, store-bought pastry sheets are perfect for this recipe, saving you time and effort.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie stores well at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it, but make sure it is well covered to prevent freezer burn.

3. What can I pair with the pie?
The sweet and savory cheese pie pairs wonderfully with a fragrant tea or a dry white wine, which will balance the sweetness and savoriness.

Let your creativity guide you, and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your loved ones! The sweet and savory cheese pie is not just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that brings joy and beautiful memories. Happy cooking!