Kallitsunia -- Sweet Cheese Pies (Greece)

🍴 15 ingredients 👁️ 5 views 📚 Recipes1M

Ingredients

  • 2 quarts plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 12 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 12 cup milk
  • warm
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • room temperature
  • 12 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 12 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 13 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cups mizithra cheese (or a suitable substitute)
  • 1 egg
  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 14 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. TO MAKE THE CHEESE: In a large saucepan, over medium-high heat, combine the yogurt & lemon juice, then bring it to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low & boil the mixture until it separates (Time is a total estimate, about 15 minutes).
  3. Pour it into a colander lined with a double layer of cheesecloth & let it drain for several hours.
  4. FOR THE DOUGH: After the cheese has been draining for about 1 hour, start the dough by stirring the yeast into the milk & letting it stand for 10 minutes.
  5. In a large mixing bowl & using a wooden spoon, blend butter & sugar together, then add the flour.
  6. Add yeast milk, orange Juice & olive oil & knead until the dough is smooth, then cover & let rise for 1 hour.
  7. FOR THE FILLING: Meanwile, in a bowl, mix the cheese with the egg & sugar, then set aside.
  8. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F & line 2 large baking sheets with parchment.
  9. When dough is ready, divide it into 2 or 3 pieces & roll out the 1st one to 1/2-inch thickness, then cut out as many disks as you can using a 4-inch biscuit cutter.
  10. With the tips of your fingers, flatten the edge of each disk & fold it in at regular intervals to produce a fluted, slightly raised edge.
  11. Place each fluted disk on the lined baking sheet & flatten the dough a little more inside the edges.
  12. Repeat with the other disks of dough.
  13. Spread 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of cheese on each disk, then sprinkle with a little cinnamon & bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
  14. Serve at room temperature ~ They are best served the day they're made.
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