Snails with almond filling

Almond-Stuffed Snails – A Breakfast Delight

These almond-stuffed snails are a perfect choice for a pampered breakfast or a sweet snack throughout the day. Combining the aroma of almonds with a fluffy dough texture, these snails will bring a smile to anyone who enjoys them. Over time, recipes like this have been passed down from generation to generation, often found in neighborhood bakeries where people stop to start their day with a fresh treat.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 20 snails

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g of cottage cheese (ideally well-drained but not too dry)
- 100 ml of oil (you can use sunflower or olive oil)
- 80 ml of milk
- 75 g of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 500 g of flour (plus a little for working the dough)
- 1 packet of baking powder

For the filling:
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (for a warm, aromatic flavor)
- 250 g of ground almonds (you can also experiment with walnuts or hazelnuts)
- 50 ml of whipped cream
- 1 tablespoon of rum (for a deep flavor)
- 30 g of butter (melted)
- 100 g of apricot jam (or, in my case, blueberry jam)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by draining the cottage cheese of excess water. It is important that it is well-drained to avoid a sticky dough. If the cheese is very soft, you can wrap it in a towel and let it drain in a sieve for 15 minutes.

2. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the oil, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste. Add half of the flour and mix until homogeneous.

3. Incorporating the Flour and Baking Powder
In the other half of the flour, add the baking powder and mix. Then, add this mixture over the cheese mixture, kneading until you obtain an elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

4. Resting the Dough
Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in cling film. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step will help the dough become easier to handle.

5. Preparing the Filling
In a small bowl, heat the honey without letting it boil. Add the beaten egg, cinnamon, cream, ground almonds, and rum. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

6. Rolling Out the Dough
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface into a sheet about 60 x 30 cm. Make sure the dough is even to have snails of equal size.

7. Applying the Filling and Rolling the Dough
Pour the melted butter over the dough and spread it evenly. Then, add the almond filling, spreading it over the entire sheet of dough. Roll the dough lengthwise to form a tight log.

8. Cutting and Refrigerating
Cut the log into two equal parts and let them rest in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes. This step will help achieve a perfect texture.

9. Preheating the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.

10. Cutting the Snails
Remove the two pieces of dough from the refrigerator and cut each roll into 10 equal pieces. Place them a small distance apart on the prepared tray.

11. Baking
Bake the snails in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden and fluffy.

12. Glazing
Meanwhile, heat the jam and strain it through a fine sieve to obtain a smooth paste. After 20 minutes of baking, remove the tray from the oven and brush each snail with the warm jam.

13. Final Baking
Place the tray back in the oven and bake the snails for another 5 minutes. This step will give a delicious, glossy glaze.

Serving Suggestions

These almond-stuffed snails are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a cup of fresh coffee or aromatic tea. For an extra treat, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce.

Variations and Tips

- Alternative Fillings: You can experiment with different fillings, such as nuts, hazelnuts, or raisins. Each variation will offer a different taste and unique texture.
- Flavors: Instead of rum, you can use vanilla or almond essence for an extra flavor boost.
- Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or filling.

Nutritional Benefits

These snails contain protein from the cottage cheese and ground almonds, providing a good source of energy. Almonds are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making them excellent for heart health. Of course, moderation is key, considering the sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use store-bought cottage cheese? Yes, it is recommended to choose fresh, well-drained cottage cheese.
- What can I use instead of jam? You can use any type of jam or preserve, even melted chocolate for a decadent version.
- How can I store the snails? They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a longer duration.

These almond-stuffed snails are not only a simple and quick recipe but also a delightful way to bring a touch of joy to every morning. Don't hesitate to try this recipe and share the result with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 250 g of cow cheese 100 ml of oil 80 ml of milk 75 g of sugar 1 packet of vanilla sugar 500 g of flour 1 packet of baking powder flour for working the dough For the filling: 2 tablespoons of honey 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon 250 g of ground almonds 50 ml of cream for whipping 1 tablespoon of rum 30 g of butter 100 g of apricot jam (I used blueberry jam)

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