Quesada Pasiega with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (2 cups) queso fresco or ricotta cheese 500g (2 cups) queso fresco or ricotta cheese
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 100g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour 100g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
• 250ml (1 cup) whole milk 250ml (1 cup) whole milk
• Butter, for greasing the baking dish Butter, for greasing the baking dish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat: 12g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 34g (22g sugars)
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish with butter.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the queso fresco or ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, orange zest, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until smooth.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the flour while continuously stirring the mixture.
4. 4.
   Slowly pour in the milk and mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and smooth the surface with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.
8. 8.
   Cut into slices and serve at room temperature or chilled.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cheese — Make sure the queso fresco or ricotta cheese is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dessert.
• Eggs — Use large eggs at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
• Citrus zest — Use organic lemons and oranges for the zest to ensure a vibrant and natural flavor.
• Cinnamon — Freshly ground cinnamon will provide the best aroma and flavor.
• Flour — Sift the flour before adding it to the batter to prevent lumps.

Tips & Tricks

• For a citrus burst, squeeze a little lemon or orange juice over the Quesada Pasiega before serving.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Experiment with different citrus fruits like grapefruit or lime for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
• Add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• To enhance the cinnamon aroma, lightly toast the ground cinnamon in a dry pan before adding it to the batter.

Serving advice

Serve the Quesada Pasiega as a dessert after a Spanish-inspired meal. It can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled, depending on personal preference. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

Present the Quesada Pasiega on a decorative platter or individual dessert plates. The golden-brown crust should be visible, showcasing the contrast between the crust and the creamy interior. Consider adding a citrus twist or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an eye-catching presentation.