Kaseropita Tiropita Using Kaseri Cheese Recipes

Steps:

• In a large metal baking pan (I don't have measurements- approximate at about 15x12-inch and anything close), layer 1/2 of phyllo sheets, brushing each one generously with butter before adding next, and staggering across pan to get all corners covered.
• Combine cheeses well and place in pan.
• Spread out evenly.
• Cover with remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each one generously with butter before adding next, and staggering across pan to get all corners covered.
• Tuck in loose edges and brush top of pastry generously with more butter.
• With the tip of a pointy knife, mark lines where you'll eventually want to cut the pieces once baked.
• These act as steam vents.
• Make sure you don't cut all the way into bottom layer of pastry- you just want to cut through the top layer.
• Pour over any remaining butter.
• Combine milk with the eggs and beat well.
• Pour over pastry and allow to sit, at room temperature for 30 minutes to absorb the custard.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• After 20 minutes, place pastry in oven and bake till golden-brown on top.
• For the last 10 minutes of baking, place pan on floor of oven to ensure a crisp, properly-baked bottom crust.
• Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting pieces.

Steps:

• Thaw phyllo dough completely.
• Melt the 6 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan.
• Whisk in the flour and cook slightly (1-2 minutes) to get rid of 'raw' flour taste.
• Slowly whisk in the milk.
• Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens.
• Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
• Quickly whisk the eggs into the sauce one at a time.
• Then stir in the cheese.
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Butter a 13 X 9" Pyrex baking dish generously (you can also use a larger baking pan - the tiropita just comes out a little thinner, but is nicer for appetizer servings).
• Flatten phyllo dough and cover with a sheet of wax paper and a lightly dampened towel (to avoid drying out).
• Take one sheet at a time and place in baking dish.
• Brush phyllo generously with butter.
• Use about 6 sheets this way and then add 1/2 of cheese filling.
• Layer 3 more sheets of phyllo (brushing each one with butter) and then top with remaining cheese filling.
• Finally, layer 6 sheets of phyllo over top (brushing each one with butter) and fold in the edges to make the tiropita look neat.
• Brush top generously with remaining butter.
• Score top of phyllo carefully with the point of a sharp knife, just cutting through pastry (only cut through the top layers of pastry, do not cut all the way down to the bottom layer), into the size of pieces you will want to serve.
• Make sure you don't cut right through pie.
• Bake for about 45 minutes to one hour, or until golden brown.
• (Make sure bottom crust is nice and golden- if it isn't- put it directly on floor of oven for about 10 minutes to brown faster. You don't want a soggy, uncooked bottom pastry).
• Variation: I often add 8 oz. of a good-quality, chopped, smoked ham to the cheese filling.