Frederic Melton
There are many pastries that use cheese as a key ingredient, and one of the most popular is the cheese-filled puff pastry. This versatile pastry can be made in a variety of ways, from sweet to savoury, and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. For those with a sweet tooth, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg are combined to create a smooth and fluffy filling, while savoury options include Romanian cheese pastries made with farmer's cheese or cow's cheese. Puff pastry is a versatile dough that can be filled or topped with cheese and other ingredients to create a crispy and fluffy texture.
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What You'll Learn
Romanian cheese pastries
The traditional Romanian pastry "placinte la tigaie" is commonly made with a salted cheese called "brânză de burduf", a type of sheep's milk cheese that is aged and has a strong, tangy flavour similar to feta. Other variations include using different types of cheese such as feta or telemea, a Romanian cheese similar to feta, or even a mix of cheeses for different flavours and textures.
In addition to the salted cheese variation, Romanian cheese pastries can also be made with sweet fillings such as apple, pumpkin, or sweet cheese with raisins. These sweet pastries are known as "Poale In Brau" or "Branzoaice".
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Greek feta and spinach pies
Spanakopita is a traditional Greek dish that is extremely popular in Greece and around the world. It is a savoury pie made of spinach, feta cheese, olive oil, and herbs, wrapped in a flaky phyllo pastry. The phyllo dough is brushed with olive oil, giving it a golden, crispy texture. Spanakopita is typically served as an appetizer or side dish, and can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a perfect addition to a picnic basket.
To make Spanakopita, you will need the following ingredients: phyllo dough, spinach, feta cheese, olive oil, and herbs such as parsley, dill, and black pepper. You will also need an egg to create an egg wash, which gives the pastry a nice shine and golden colour.
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the filling by mixing together spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and herbs in a bowl. You can also add an egg to the mixture, but this is optional.
- Unroll the phyllo dough and place it between two slightly damp kitchen cloths.
- Brush a baking dish with olive oil.
- Line the baking dish with two sheets of phyllo, letting them cover the sides of the dish.
- Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the phyllo sheets.
- Cover the mixture with 6-8 more phyllo sheets, brushing each one with olive oil.
- Use a knife to score the top of the phyllo to create 10-12 pieces.
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until the phyllo turns golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool before cutting it into pieces.
Spanakopita can be served as a main course, accompanied by a Greek salad, olives, tzatziki, or whipped feta dip. It can also be served as an appetizer, alongside dishes such as Saganaki (pan-seared cheese) and Black Olive Tapenade.
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Ham and cheese pastries
To make ham and cheese puff pastries, you will need puff pastry, ham, cheese, mustard, and an egg. First, defrost the puff pastry and cut it into squares or rectangles. Spread a small amount of mustard onto each square or rectangle, then top with chopped ham and shredded cheese. Brush the edges of the pastry with a whisked egg, then fold the pastry over to create a triangle and seal the edges. Brush the top of each triangle with more egg, then bake in the oven until golden brown.
You can also try different shapes and styles of ham and cheese pastries. For example, you can cut the pastry into strips and fold them into a pastry braid, or add the filling to a full sheet of pastry and place another sheet on top to make a giant pop tart. You can also use different types of pastry, such as crescent roll dough or buttery pie dough, although these won't have the same flaky layers as puff pastry.
Another option for ham and cheese pastries is to use a sweet cream cheese filling. This type of pastry is often made with farmer's cheese or cow's cheese and puff pastry, and it can be served as a savoury snack or appetizer. The cream cheese filling can be made by mixing the cheese with egg yolk and full-fat cream to create a sweet and creamy texture. This filling can then be spread onto the puff pastry and baked in the oven.
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Cheese and berry danishes
Cheese and fruit danishes are a delicious treat and can be made in a variety of ways. The most common type of cheese used in danishes is cream cheese, which is often paired with sweet berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The creamy texture of the cheese and the juicy berries create a delightful combination. You can also add other types of fruit, such as cherries, peaches, or even tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, for a unique twist.
For a simple yet decadent cheese and berry danish, start by preparing the puff pastry. Roll out a sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Cut the pastry into equal parts or triangles, depending on the desired shape of your danish. In a separate bowl, prepare the cream cheese filling by mixing cream cheese, lemon juice, and confectioner's sugar. You can also add a bit of lemon zest for a subtle citrus twist.
Spread the cream cheese mixture onto the puff pastry, leaving some space around the edges. If using triangles, add a tablespoon of the mixture to the centre of each triangle. If using equal parts, create a border by lightly scoring each side about half an inch from the edge. Top the cream cheese with fresh berries or a combination of your chosen fruits.
To assemble the danish, take the diagonal corners of each pastry square and pinch them together over the filling. If using triangles, simply fold the triangles in half. Brush the edges with an egg wash, which will give the danish a golden-brown top and help seal the pastry. You can create an egg wash by beating an egg and adding a small amount of water. Sprinkle some granulated sugar over the egg-washed danishes for an extra touch of sweetness.
Finally, bake the danishes in the oven. The baking temperature and time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your danishes. As a guide, bake at around 350°F to 400°F for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let the danishes cool slightly before serving. These cheese and berry danishes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
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Potato, cheese and onion pasty
Potato, cheese, and onion pasties are a delicious meat-free alternative to the traditional Cornish pasty. They are made using a shortcrust or puff pastry, and the process can be easily broken down into three stages. Firstly, prepare the filling by slicing the potato and onion into thin pieces and coarsely grating the cheese. Combine these with the seasonings and mix well. Next, roll out the pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 2-3mm. Cut out circles with a diameter of about 20-22 cm or 16-17 cm, depending on your preference. Finally, assemble the pasty by spooning the potato filling onto one side of each pastry disc, leaving a border of at least 1 cm. Brush the edges with water or egg wash, fold over the filling, and crimp the edges to seal the pasty.
For an authentic Cornish pasty, use lard or a mixture of butter and vegetable fat for the pastry. Waxy potatoes that hold their shape during cooking are ideal, and mature cheddar cheese is a good choice for a full and enjoyable flavour. White onions are also preferable to red onions as they are classic.
Once assembled, chill the pasties for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 210°C/190°C Fan/Gas 6½ and brush the pastries with beaten egg. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Serve warm with onion relish, chutney, or ketchup on the side.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several pastries that use cheese and are shaped like triangles. One is a Romanian pastry made with puff pastry and farmer's cheese or cow's cheese. Another is a Greek pastry called Spanakopita Triangles, made with phyllo pastry, spinach, and feta cheese.
Romanian Cheese Pastries are made with farmer's cheese or cow's cheese, while Greek Spanakopita Triangles are made with phyllo pastry and feta cheese. Romanian Cheese Pastries are also a sweet treat, whereas Spanakopita Triangles are savoury.
To make Romanian Cheese Pastries, you will need puff pastry, farmer's cheese or cow's cheese, and eggs. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into triangles. Place a dollop of cheese on one side of the pastry and fold it over to create a triangle shape. Seal the edges with a fork and brush with beaten egg. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes or until golden.
To make Greek Spanakopita Triangles, you will need phyllo pastry, spinach, feta cheese, and eggs. Cut the phyllo pastry into rectangles and add a tablespoon of the cheese and spinach mixture to the middle. Fold the pastry over the mixture to create a triangle shape and seal the edges with a fork. Brush with beaten egg and prick a few holes in the top. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes or until golden.
