Latvian Cheese Pie Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup heavy cream

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Pastry brush

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cubed butter. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the sour cream and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other.
5. Roll out the larger portion of dough and line the pie dish with it.
6. In another mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and raisins. Mix until well combined.
7. Pour the cheese mixture into the pie crust.
8. Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips.
9. Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern over the cheese mixture.
10. Brush the lattice with heavy cream.
11. Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
12. Allow the pie to cool before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 330
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of raisins, you can use dried cranberries or chopped apricots.
- Instead of cottage cheese, you can use ricotta cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the cheese mixture.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cheese mixture for a spiced flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter and sour cream are cold when making the dough.
- Don't overwork the dough, as this can make it tough.
- If the lattice strips break, you can patch them together with a little water.

Storage instructions:
- Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pie in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pie on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream.

Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream

Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of tea or coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Green salad with vinaigrette dressing

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- If the pie is not setting, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pie is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Latvian cheese pie, or "siermaize," is a traditional Latvian dessert that is typically served during holidays and celebrations.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, tangy, and creamy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pie warm or at room temperature.

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Region: Latvian

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Buttery, Nutty, Creamy