Introduction
Discover the charm of traditional hand-rolled crispy cheese pastries, a method perfected by a 70-year-old master. These pastries, filled with savory cow’s cheese and encased in buttery, flaky layers, are perfect for any occasion. Follow this detailed recipe to create a batch of irresistible pastries that will transport you to the heart of classic culinary craftsmanship.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups (480ml) water
- 2 eggs
- 1 egg yolk for spreading
- 1 tsp (5g) salt
- 5 cups (600g) flour
- 125g (4.4 oz) cow butter or margarine
For the Filling:
- 200g (7 oz) cow’s cheese
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Number of Servings: 20
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mixing the Dough
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of water and 2 eggs. Gradually add the sifted 5 cups of flour and 1 tsp salt, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and no longer sticks to your hands or the bowl. This process typically takes about 10 minutes of consistent kneading.
2. Rolling and Folding
Divide and Roll:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each portion into a thin crust on a floured surface.
Spread the Butter:
Spread 125g of softened butter or margarine evenly over the surface of each rolled-out dough.
Fold the Dough:
Fold the dough like an envelope: fold one-third of the dough towards the center, then fold the opposite third over the first fold. Fold the other sides in the same way to create a compact rectangle. Repeat this process, ensuring to butter between each fold, until you achieve a compact rectangle.
Refrigerate:
Place the folded dough in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to allow the butter to firm up and the layers to set.
3. Preparing the Filling
Roll Out the Dough:
After chilling, roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
Cut into Squares:
Cut the dough into squares of about 4 inches each.
Add the Cheese:
Crumble 200g of cow’s cheese and place a small amount in the center of each square.
4. Assembly
Enclose the Cheese:
Fold each square over the cheese to form a triangle or rectangle, pressing firmly to seal the edges. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
Arrange on Baking Dish:
Place the pastries on a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
5. Baking
Brush with Egg Yolk:
Beat the egg yolk and brush it over each pastry for a golden finish.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Bake the pastries for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
6. Serving
Serve Warm:
Serve the crispy pastries warm, allowing the irresistible aroma to tantalize your senses. Pair with your favorite beverage and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite.
Tips for Perfect Pastries
- Ensure Proper Butter Distribution:
Make sure the butter is evenly spread during the folding process to achieve the perfect flaky layers. - Refrigerate the Dough:
Chilling the dough helps in setting the layers and makes it easier to handle during the final rolling and cutting. - Seal the Edges Well:
Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
Conclusion
These Hand-Rolled Crispy Cheese Pastries are a delightful blend of rich, buttery dough and savory cheese filling. With a method passed down through generations, this recipe brings a timeless culinary tradition to your kitchen. Enjoy the process of creating these pastries and savor every delicious bite. Happy baking!
