Wine napkins

Wine Napkins - A Crispy and Aromatic Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Resting time: 30 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Introduction

In a world full of elaborate desserts, wine napkins remind us of the beauty of simplicity. This crispy dessert, with a subtle flavor of wine and lemon, has been enjoyed for generations, becoming a symbol of conviviality and the joy of sharing special moments. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for festive occasions or simply to add a touch of sweetness to everyday life. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure and discover how to prepare them!

Ingredients

- 300 g flour
- 150 g powdered sugar (plus extra for decoration)
- 3 small eggs
- 40 g soft butter
- ½ glass of white wine (approximately 125 ml)
- Zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt
- Oil for frying

Ingredient Details

Flour is the base of the dough, providing the necessary structure. Choose a high-quality flour, ideal for pastry. Powdered sugar not only sweetens but also helps achieve a fine texture. White wine adds a note of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the dessert. Lemon zest will bring a touch of freshness, turning the napkins into a refined dessert. The oil for frying should be hot enough to achieve a crispy texture, but don’t forget to choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower or peanut oil.

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. This will help aerate the flour, ensuring the dessert will be fluffy and light.

2. Add the soft butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers, mix the butter with the flour until you achieve a crumbly texture, similar to wet sand. This step is essential for incorporating the fat into the dough, ensuring an ideal consistency.

3. In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the lemon zest and white wine, mixing well. It’s important to add the wine gradually, stirring continuously until the dough becomes homogeneous but not too stiff. If necessary, adjust the amount of wine to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Once you have incorporated all the ingredients, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step will allow the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

Forming the Napkins

5. After the dough has rested in the refrigerator, sprinkle a work surface with flour and roll it out into very thin sheets, about 2 mm thick. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even texture.

6. Using a cutter or a glass, cut circles with a diameter of about 12 cm. These will be the base of your delicious napkins.

7. Each circle will be gathered like a bundle. Hold the center of the circle and gather the edges towards the center, forming a package. If you want to ensure they stick together, you can brush the closure point with a bit of egg white.

Frying the Napkins

8. In a deep pan, heat the oil to medium temperature (about 180°C). Test the temperature by adding a small piece of dough; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

9. Fry the napkins in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Each napkin will take about 2-3 minutes to become golden and crispy. Turn them with a spatula to ensure they fry evenly.

10. Once ready, remove them with a spatula and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Finishing and Serving

11. After they have cooled slightly, dust the napkins with powdered sugar and serve them warm or at room temperature. They are delicious alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but can also be enjoyed with a sweet wine, enhancing the dessert's flavors.

Tips and Variations

- You can experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon or vanilla to the dough.
- Instead of white wine, try a red wine for a different note, but be sure to adjust the sugar amount to maintain the flavor balance.
- For a healthier dessert, you can replace some of the butter with coconut oil, which will add a tropical flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

These napkins are a source of carbohydrates from flour and eggs, and white wine provides antioxidants. Although they are a dessert, when consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet. Each serving has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but the final texture may vary.

2. What can I do with napkins that opened while frying?
Don’t worry! Even the opened ones are delicious, and the crispy texture makes them easy to enjoy.

3. How can I store the napkins to prevent them from getting soggy?
Store them in an airtight container, preferably at room temperature. Avoid keeping them in the refrigerator, as moisture can affect the texture.

Conclusion

Wine napkins are more than just a dessert; they are an invitation to share moments of joy with loved ones. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, I promise that each bite will bring a smile to your face. So, dive into the sweet aromas and indulge in these delicious crispy napkins! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 300 g flour, 3 small eggs, 150 g powdered sugar, half a glass of white wine, 40 g butter, zest of one lemon, a pinch of salt, oil for frying