Chinese Cheese Pastry 2

Ingredients

• 300 gflour
• 200 gcheese
• 100 gbutter
• 1egg

Method

1. Begin by taking the 100 g of butter out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature until it softens. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dough. At the same time, bring the egg to room temperature by leaving it out for about 30 minutes, which helps it blend smoothly into the mixture.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 g of flour with the softened butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step ensures that the butter is evenly distributed, creating a tender and flaky pastry.
3. Grate 200 g of cheese and add it to the flour and butter mixture. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough. The cheese will add a savory flavor and a slightly chewy texture to the pastry.
4. Crack the room-temperature egg into the bowl and mix it into the dough using a wooden spoon or your hands. Knead gently until the dough comes together and is smooth. If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it holds together without crumbling.
5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1 cm thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out individual pastries and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
6. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven until they are golden brown and firm to the touch, which should take about 15-20 minutes. The aroma of baked cheese will fill the kitchen, and the pastries will have a crisp exterior with a soft, cheesy center.
7. Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, as the flavors are best enjoyed when the cheese is still slightly melted and the pastry is tender. These pastries are perfect for sharing at the table.