Although strongly associated with Greek Orthodox Easter, flaounes, also known as Cyprus cheese pies, are readily available in most bakeries across Cyprus throughout the year. Although several homemade versions exist, most Cypriot households use this recipe to make them in time for Easter Sunday, when cheese pies are often consumed in place of bread. Although homemade versions share the same main ingredients and preparation methods as these traditional cheese pies, they often include subtle differences that make all the difference. These savoury treats, for example, can be made with or without raisins, and the taste often differs when different cheeses are used.
HOW TO MAKE FLAOUNES
Ingredients:
1/4 of a cup of sugar
1 cup of warm milk
1/2 a cup of warm water
1 packet of dry yeast
4 cups of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 a cup of olive oil
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 a cup of raisins or sultanas
1 a cup of grated halloumi cheese
1/2 a cup grated kefalotyri cheese
1 a cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 a tablespoon of mahlab spice
1 tablespoon of ground mastic gum
1/2 a cup of sesame seeds
instructions:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and dry yeast.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast is activated.
In another mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture, olive oil, and 2 beaten eggs
Mix well until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel, placing it in a warm place for between 1 and 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a separate bowl, mix together the raisins or sultanas, grated cheeses, mahlab spice, and ground mastic gum.
Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a circle.
Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the centre of each circle, folding the edges to form a square
Pinch the seams to seal.
Place the parcels on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg.
Sprinkle lightly with the sesame seeds and then place in the oven.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Let the flaounes cool slightly before serving.
