Kalitsounia Me Kanella Cretan Cheese cinnamon Pastries

Contributed By: Janis Limon

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c Fresh mizithra or ricotta
2 tb Grated hard ricotta
2 Eggs; separated
1/2 c Granulated sugar
2 tb Butter; melted
4 tb Milk (or more)
2 c All-purpose flour
1 pinch of Salt
1 ts Vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar

Method:

For the filling, combine the cheeses, lightly beaten egg yolks, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. The mixture should be thick enough to mound, but not stiff; add 1 tablespoon milk, if necessary. Set aside while you make the dough.
Dough: Sift the flour and salt into a bowl, then cut in the butter and mix by rubbing between your fingers. Mix in the vanilla, egg whites, and enough milk to make a soft dough. Knead until smooth and elastic, then break off small pieces and roll as thin of a dime. The dough will be elastic and can be rolled easily. Cut into circles 4-inches in diameter teacup size, then on each circle place a teaspoon of the cheese filling. Wet the circle edge with water or milk and fold over to form a half-moon, then seal with the tines of a fork or pastry wheel. Arrange the Kaltisounia on buttered cookie sheets and bake in a moderate oven 350 F for 25 minutes, or until the pastry puffs up and turns a light chestnut color. Remove from the oven, and place on racks, and dust with confectioners' sugar and cinnamon. Serve hot or cold.
Yield: 20 servings


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