Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 cups farmer’s cheese
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Special Equipment Needed:
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch round baking dish
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and cold water and mix until a dough forms.
4. Divide dough into two equal pieces and roll out each piece into a 9-inch round.
5. Place one round in the bottom of a 9-inch round baking dish.
6. In a separate bowl, combine farmer’s cheese, sugar, sour cream, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
7. Spread cheese mixture over the dough in the baking dish.
8. Place the second round of dough over the cheese mixture.
9. Brush the top of the dough with melted butter.
10. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 270
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Farmer’s cheese can be substituted with ricotta cheese.
- Sour cream can be substituted with plain Greek yogurt.
Variations:
- For a sweeter version, add 1/4 cup of sugar to the cheese mixture.
- For a savory version, omit the sugar and add 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder to the cheese mixture.
Tips and Tricks:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- If the dough is too dry, add a bit more water.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or dill
- Sliced almonds
Pairings:
- A glass of white wine
- A cup of coffee or tea
Suggested Side Dishes:
- A green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the plăcintă is too dry, add a bit more melted butter to the top before baking.
- If the plăcintă is too wet, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Food Safety Advice:
- Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours of baking.
- Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Food History:
Plăcintă is a traditional Romanian pastry that is typically filled with cheese, fruits, or vegetables. It is believed to have originated in the 19th century.
Flavor Profiles:
Sweet Cheese Plăcintă has a rich and creamy cheese filling with a hint of sweetness from the sugar and a hint of warmth from the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
- Serve as a snack with a cup of tea.
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Region: Romanian