Sweet whey spiral

Sweet cheese spiral – a perfect delight in every slice

When you think of desserts that blend tradition with an unmistakable taste, the sweet cheese spiral stands out as a perfect choice. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, bringing a touch of nostalgia in every bite. Whether you serve it at a festive meal or simply to indulge your family, the sweet cheese spiral will win anyone's heart.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 300 g flour
- 1 tablespoon butter (preferably unsalted, for a milder taste)
- 100 ml warm water (not hot, to activate the yeast)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (this helps achieve a more elastic dough)

*For the filling:*
- 500 g sweet cheese (make sure it is fresh for the best taste)
- 1 tablespoon grated orange peel (for an extra flavor)
- 2 eggs (preferably at room temperature for easier incorporation)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar (for a sweet yet subtle taste)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (to sweeten the mixture)
- 30 g melted butter (to grease the spiral)
- 1 egg for brushing (for a golden and appetizing crust)

A bit of history

The sweet cheese spiral is a dessert with deep roots in culinary traditions, often prepared during festive periods or family gatherings. Sweet cheese, a versatile and nutritious ingredient, has been used for centuries in dessert making due to its rich protein and calcium content. Combined with the delicate flavors of orange peel and the sweetness of sugar, the spiral becomes an irresistible choice.

Step by step: Preparing the sweet cheese spiral

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt. Then add the soft butter and knead with your fingers until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. Gradually add the warm water and vinegar. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.

2. Resting the dough:
Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the gluten to relax, facilitating the subsequent rolling out.

3. Preparing the filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the sweet cheese with the eggs, orange peel, vanilla sugar, and powdered sugar. Mix well with a spatula or a mixer with paddles until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Make sure there are no lumps of cheese for a pleasant texture.

4. Rolling out the dough:
After the dough has rested in the refrigerator, divide it into two equal pieces for easier handling. On a floured surface, roll out a thin sheet measuring approximately 50 cm long and 40 cm wide.

5. Forming the strips:
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 5 strips approximately 8 cm wide.

6. Filling the strips:
On each strip, place a portion of the cheese mixture, leaving the edges free. Then, gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pressing with your fingers to seal them.

7. Forming the spiral:
Preheat a baking dish with a little melted butter. Start wrapping the filled strips from the middle of the dish, forming a spiral. Make sure the edge of each strip is well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

8. Baking:
After forming the spiral, brush it with the remaining melted butter. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the spiral for 25 minutes, then take the dish out and brush the spiral with the beaten egg. Continue baking for another 40 minutes or until the spiral is golden and nicely browned.

9. Cooling:
Once the spiral is baked, let it cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

10. Serving:
Once the spiral has cooled, cut it into generous slices and serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also add a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of refinement.

Useful tips:

- Choose ingredients carefully: Use fresh sweet cheese, preferably from a local producer. This will add extra flavor and texture to your dish.
- Customize the filling: You can try adding raisins, ground nuts, or even dark chocolate to achieve a more decadent version of the sweet cheese spiral.
- Dough care: If the dough becomes too sticky, do not hesitate to add a little flour to the work surface. It is important that the dough is easy to handle.
- Storage: The sweet cheese spiral keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use cheese instead of sweet cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta, but make sure to drain them well of excess liquid to avoid a too wet dessert.

2. How can I adapt the recipe to be vegan?
You can replace the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water (let sit for 10 minutes) and use plant-based butter instead of regular butter.

3. What can the spiral be served with?
The sweet cheese spiral pairs wonderfully with a scoop of Greek yogurt or a serving of fruit jam.

Nutritional benefits:

The sweet cheese spiral is not only delicious but also nutritious. Sweet cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and the orange peel adds antioxidants, thus benefiting digestive health. Additionally, this recipe contains carbohydrates from flour, providing energy.

Possible variations:

- Chocolate spiral: Add a few pieces of dark chocolate to the cheese filling for a chocolate explosion.
- Fruit spiral: Replace part of the sweet cheese with apple puree or other fruits for a fresh touch.

No matter the occasion, the sweet cheese spiral will bring joy and smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Prepare it with love and savor every bite!