Gibanica - Cheese Pita 1 package of filo dough 1 stick of butter 2 - 3 pounds of cottage cheese 4 eggs 8 ounce package of light or regular cream cheese 2-8 ounces feta cheese (optional) Melt
butter and set aside. Mix cottage cheese and eggs in a bowl. Take the
cream cheese and cut or pull it with your fingers into small pieces and
gently add (if using feta cheese, add as well). Open
the filo dough and cover with kitchen towel so it doesn't dry out and
carefully recover each time you will make an additional layer. Using a
9x13 pan, scrunch 6 pieces of fillo dough into the bottom pan. By
putting the filo into the pan this way will give the pita more texture
and height. Lightly brush or sprinkle with a spoon butter over
the filo. You can add the entire mixture of cheeses and eggs at this
time if you would like, or add a third and continue to layer the filo
dough. With each layer, brush or sprinkle butter over the filo. For
the last layer, however, lay the filo completely flat. Brush or
sprinkle butter over the entire last layer. Bake immediately or wrap
in plastic wrap and freeze to bake at a later date. Bake for 35-45
minutes in a 325-350 preheated oven until top is evenly golden brown.
Do not thaw before baking if frozen, just bake approximately 15 minutes
longer. Let sit 10-15 minutes before cutting. It is a nice staple to have on hand in the freezer for any last minute or unexpected guests!
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