Filipino Cheese Pastry

Ingredients

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

Method

1. Begin by taking 100 g of butter out of the refrigerator and allowing it to soften at room temperature. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dough later. Also, crack 1 egg into a small bowl and let it sit at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother texture in the pastry.
2. Grate 200 g of cheese using a medium-sized grater. Set aside. The cheese will be folded into the dough later, providing a rich, savory flavor typical of Filipino Cheese Pastry.
3. 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 technique ensures that the butter is evenly distributed, which will result in a flaky pastry.
4. Add the room-temperature egg to the flour and butter mixture. Mix gently with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together. If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time until it holds together.
5. Fold the grated cheese into the dough, ensuring it is evenly distributed. This step is crucial as it ensures every bite of the pastry is filled with cheesy goodness. Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain its tenderness.
6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven heats, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a pastry cutter or a knife to cut the dough into your desired shapes.
7. Place the cut dough pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven until the pastries are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. The pastries should have a firm texture and a rich, cheesy aroma.
8. Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. This pastry is best enjoyed fresh, embodying the spirit of Filipino home cooking.