Mid-April is a time when Greeks celebrate the Easter on April 15. Flaounes are the traditional Cypriot Easter cheese pastry, made on Holy Thursday. The preparation starts from Thursday or the previous day of the Easter. Most female members of the family get up from the crack to dawn to start preparing them.
Ingredients
Bread
1 1/2 pound plain flour
1 packet yeast
1 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
2 tbsp olive oil
Filling
8 ounces Cheddar cheese
4 ounces Mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp crushed dried mint
4 eggs, lightly beaten
Directions
1. In a large bowl, sift the flour. Add all dry ingredients.
2. Add oil and water to make a firm dough. Knead for 5-10 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap; let stand for an hour to rise.
3. Meanwhile, make the filling. In a bowl, grate the cheese and add flour, baking powder, and mint. Gradually stir in beaten eggs and mix well.
4. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
5. Divide the dough into egg size peices and roll into 4 inch discs.
6. Put 1 tbsp of filling in the center of each dough. Pull the dough to make a square and press the corners together to seal. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
7. Brush each dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
