Mana'eesh (J)gibneh - Cheese Pastries

This is one of my favorite foods. Mostly because I love the dough. Traditionally it's made with Akkawi cheese but you can mix with Mozzerlla or sub If you like a lil something extra try jazzing them up with za'taar spice or some veggies. These freeze well pre baked. I have brushed them around the edges with olive oil or butter for a golden glow but not always. Play around with them to cook them to how you like. Some like a softer dough and less time in the oven and some like a crunchy dough. This dough can do either.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 8-10
• Yields: 18 pies

Ingredients

• 1  egg
• 1 (7 g) packet dry active yeast
• 1⁄4 cup warm water
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 3 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus
• 2  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1⁄4 cups  warm milk
• 1  lb  crumbled cheese

Directions

1. Dissolve the sugar in the ¼ cup water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let ferment and bubble.
2. In a large bowl combine the yeast, flour, salt, olive oil, egg, and warm milk. Knead until a soft dough is formed. Dough will be slightly sticky, so always make sure your hands have a little olive oil on them.
3. Lightly grease the same bowl with olive oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with a clean cloth and leave in a warm dry place for at least 2 hours, until doubled.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F.
5. Take fist-fulls of the dough and on a floured surface roll out into small balls. Let rest for 5 minutes. Flatten each dough ball into 4” disc, about ½” thick.
6. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet and top with cheese. Repeat with remaining dough and cheese.
7. Bake until golden brown, about 18-20 minutes. Serve warm.