| Rich Basque Cheesecake with Caramelized Top |
This incredibly creamy Basque cheesecake is renowned for its cara... |
cheesecake, dessert, pastry, European cuisine, Spanish dessert, baking, vegetarian, gluten-free option |
{"title":"Rich Basque Cheesecake with Caramelized Top","description":"This incredibly creamy Basque cheesecake is renowned for its caramelized top and deep flavors that make a traditional crust unnecessary. Originating from the La Vi\u00f1a restaurant in the Basque region of Spain, this dessert is the epitome of indulgence and simplicity. It is exceptionally easy to prepare and only requires a handful of ingredients.","short_description":"A luscious Basque cheesecake with a delicious caramelized top, simple to bake and perfect for any occasion.","full_ingredient_list":["2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature","1 1\/4 to 1 1\/2 cups sugar","2 cups heavy cream, divided","6 large eggs","1 teaspoon vanilla extract","1\/3 cup all-purpose flour","1\/2 teaspoon fine salt"],"components":[{"name":"Basque Cheesecake","ingredients":[{"name":"cream cheese","quantity":"2 pounds","preparation_notes":"at room temperature","substitutions":[]},{"name":"sugar","quantity":"1 1\/4 to 1 1\/2 cups","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"heavy cream","quantity":"2 cups, divided","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"eggs","quantity":"6 large","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"vanilla extract","quantity":"1 teaspoon","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"all-purpose flour","quantity":"1\/3 cup","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":["gluten-free baking flour"]},{"name":"fine salt","quantity":"1\/2 teaspoon","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["12-cup food processor or mixer","parchment paper","9-inch springform pan"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Place a rack in the middle of the oven, ensuring plenty of space above. Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F.","tips":""},{"step_number":2,"description":"Using two large sheets of parchment paper, line a 9-inch springform pan, allowing the paper to rise at least 2 inches above the sides.","tips":""},{"step_number":3,"description":"In a food processor or mixer, combine cream cheese, sugar, and 1\/2 cup of heavy cream. Mix until smooth, about 2 minutes.","tips":"Scrape down the bowl as needed."},{"step_number":4,"description":"Crack the eggs into a measuring cup, then add them to the mixture and blend until smooth. Pause to scrape down the sides if necessary.","tips":""},{"step_number":5,"description":"Add remaining cream, vanilla, and salt to the mixture. Blend until combined, about 30 seconds.","tips":""},{"step_number":6,"description":"Whisk the flour into 1 cup of this mixture until smooth, then return to the processor and blend briefly.","tips":""},{"step_number":7,"description":"Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top by jigging slightly, and crease parchment folds gently against the pan.","tips":""},{"step_number":8,"description":"Bake for 60 to 65 minutes until the top is deeply golden and the center remains very jiggly.","tips":"The cheesecake will deflate and darken further as it cools."},{"step_number":9,"description":"Cool on a rack for about 1 hour before serving or refrigerating.","tips":""}]}],"prep_time":"30 minutes","cook_time":"60 minutes","total_time":"1 hour 30 minutes","servings":"12 slices","tags":["cheesecake","dessert","pastry","European cuisine","Spanish dessert","baking","vegetarian","gluten-free option"],"notes":"Ensure cream cheese is softened properly for easier mixing. The absence of crust makes it gluten-free friendly; make sure to confirm with gluten-free flour if necessary.","background":"Basque cheesecake originated from the region of Basque Country in Spain. Its rich, custard-like texture paired with a deeply caramelized top makes it unique, presenting flavors reminiscent of the traditional recipes from the La Vi\u00f1a restaurant.","nutrition":{"calories":"450","protein":"8g","fat":"37g","carbohydrates":"20g","fiber":"1g","sugar":"17g"},"serving_suggestions":"Serve with fresh strawberries or a glass of dry white wine for a sophisticated dessert experience.","storage":"Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.","dietary_info":["vegetarian","gluten-free option"],"cooking_tips":["Avoid over-mixing to prevent incorporating excess air into the batter.","Allow parchment paper for ease of removal."],"variations":["Try serving with a berry compote or chocolate drizzle."],"ingredient_spotlight":"Cream cheese is key, providing the creamy texture and body, so ensure it is at room temperature for best results.","flavor_profile":{"sweet":4,"savory":2,"sour":1,"bitter":1,"umami":2},"geographic_region":"Basque Country, Spain","seasonality":"Year-round","sustainability_score":{"score":70,"details":"Cream cheese and eggs have moderate impact; locally sourcable ingredients improve score."},"occasion":"Celebratory dinner, holiday dessert, potluck","skill_level":"Intermediate","cost_estimate":20,"recommended_pairings":["Dry white wine","Fresh strawberries"]} |
| Russian Meat Hand Pies (Piroshki) |
Savor the delight of homemade Russian piroshki filled with a flav... |
Russian, Beef, Pastry |
{"title":"Russian Meat Hand Pies (Piroshki)","description":"Savor the delight of homemade Russian piroshki filled with a flavorful beef and rice mixture, encased in an incredibly soft and fluffy dough.","full_ingredient_list":["4 cups all-purpose flour","1 packet Red Star Platinum Superior Baking Yeast","1\/3 cup vegetable oil","1 cup warm water","1 tablespoon olive oil","1 lb lean ground beef","2-3 garlic cloves","1 cup cooked rice","oil for frying","1\/2 teaspoon salt","1 teaspoon salt"],"components":[{"name":"Dough","ingredients":[{"name":"all-purpose flour","quantity":"4 cups","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":["gluten-free flour"]},{"name":"Red Star Platinum Superior Baking Yeast","quantity":"1 packet","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":["instant yeast"]},{"name":"salt","quantity":"1\/2 teaspoon","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"vegetable oil","quantity":"1\/3 cup","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":["canola oil"]},{"name":"warm water","quantity":"1 cup","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":["milk"]}],"tools_and_equipment":["mixing bowl","damp kitchen towel"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.","tips":""},{"step_number":2,"description":"Add vegetable oil and water, mixing until smooth. Adjust water or flour as needed to achieve a soft dough.","tips":"If the dough is dry, add more water gradually; if wet, add a bit more flour."},{"step_number":3,"description":"Coat the dough lightly with vegetable oil, return it to the bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-60 minutes.","tips":"Using a microwave with a glass of hot water as a rising spot is helpful. Do not turn on the microwave."}]},{"name":"Meat Filling","ingredients":[{"name":"olive oil","quantity":"1 tablespoon","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":["vegetable oil"]},{"name":"lean ground beef","quantity":"1 lb","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":["ground turkey"]},{"name":"garlic cloves","quantity":"2-3","preparation_notes":"pressed","substitutions":["garlic powder"]},{"name":"salt","quantity":"1 teaspoon","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"cooked rice","quantity":"1 cup","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":["quinoa"]}],"tools_and_equipment":["large skillet","wooden spoon"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, garlic, and salt, cooking until meat is browned.","tips":"Break apart the meat with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Transfer cooked meat to a bowl and mix in the cooked rice.","tips":""}]},{"name":"Hand Pies Assembly and Frying","ingredients":[{"name":"oil for frying","quantity":"as needed","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[""]}],"tools_and_equipment":["large skillet","wooden spoon"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Take the risen dough, knead it gently, and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.","tips":"Roll each piece on a floured surface to prevent sticking."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Flatten each dough ball, place filling in the center, fold over, and seal the edges.","tips":"Flatten gently to ensure even cooking."},{"step_number":3,"description":"Heat oil in a skillet to fry. Fry hand pies until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, and drain on paper towels.","tips":"No thermometer needed; test oil readiness with a wooden spoon handle."}]}],"prep_time":"30 minutes","cook_time":"15 minutes","total_time":"1 hour 15 minutes","servings":"12 hand pies","tags":["Russian","Beef","Pastry"],"notes":"Piroshki are versatile; try using different fillings like potatoes or cabbage. Ensure filling is pre-cooked before frying pies."} |
