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Filipino Cheese Pastry 2

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Filipino Cheese Pastry 2

Filipino Cheese Pastry 2 is a beloved staple in many Filipino households, often made without strict measurements but with an intuitive sense of balance. Traditionally enjoyed as a merienda, this pastry finds its place in the afternoon when the sun is high and the need for a comforting snack arises. The recipe, as captured here, reflects the unpretentious nature of Filipino home cooking, where ingredients are measured by feel rather than scale.

Expect a crumbly, buttery texture that gives way to a savory cheese center, delivering a satisfying contrast in each bite. The cheese, often a sharp variety, provides a bold flavor that complements the richness of the butter, making each piece a small indulgence. While it can be enjoyed any time of day, its real charm lies in its ability to bring warmth and comfort, much like a culinary hug from home.

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. Also, bring the egg to room temperature by leaving it out for about 15 minutes. This helps it blend more smoothly into the mixture.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 g of flour and the softened butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures that the butter is evenly distributed, which is crucial for a tender pastry texture.
  3. Grate 200 g of cheese and add it to the flour and butter mixture. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until the cheese is evenly distributed. The cheese will add flavor and a slight saltiness to the pastry, so ensure it is well incorporated.
  4. Crack the room temperature egg into a small bowl and beat it lightly. Add the beaten egg to the flour-butter-cheese mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky; if it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it holds together.
  5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 2 minutes. This step helps develop the gluten slightly, which will give the pastry a nice structure. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can make the pastry tough.
  6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut the dough into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife. Place the cut pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese has melted and bubbled slightly. The edges should be firm to the touch, indicating that the pastry is cooked through.
  8. Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, allowing the cheese flavor to be at its most aromatic, perfect for sharing around a Filipino family table.
Cover of Authentic Filipino Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Filipino Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Filipino Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Filipino volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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