Wasps' nests

Wasp Nests – a traditional recipe that combines sweetness and citrus flavors, perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee. These little delights are ideal for a sweet snack or to impress your guests. Known in many cultures, the wasp nest recipe features a fluffy dough and a rich cream, perfectly complemented by a sweet syrup. Let’s embark on this delightful dessert-making adventure together!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 12-15 nests

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500-600 g all-purpose flour (choose a good quality flour for a fluffy dough)
- 1 cube (25 g) fresh yeast
- 30 g sugar
- 50 ml oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 5 egg yolks (do not use the egg whites in this recipe to maintain a fine texture)
- 300 ml warm milk
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh flavor)

For the cream:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 100 g sugar
- Zest of one lemon (to enhance the flavor)

For the syrup:
- 150 ml milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option)
- 125 g sugar

Step by step

Step 1: Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Add the sugar and gently mix. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial to activate the yeast and achieve a well-risen dough.

In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, and lemon zest. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the oil, egg yolks, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth, about 10-15 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, but avoid overdoing it.

Step 2: Let the dough rise

Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This stage will ensure a fluffy texture for the wasp nests.

Step 3: Prepare the cream

While the dough is rising, prepare the cream. In a bowl, beat the butter with the sugar until creamy and light in color. Add the lemon zest and mix well. Set the cream aside at room temperature to firm up slightly before using.

Step 4: Form the nests

Once the dough has risen, divide it into four equal parts. Roll each part into thin sheets, generously spread with the prepared butter cream. Roll each sheet like a Swiss roll and cut into pieces about 3-4 cm long.

Grease a baking tray with butter and dust it with flour. Place the pieces of dough in the tray, leaving a little space between them to allow for rising. Cover the tray with a clean towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C for a fan oven). Once the nests have risen, place the tray in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and well browned.

Step 6: Prepare the syrup

While the wasp nests are baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the milk and sugar, then bring to a boil. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let the syrup boil for 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat.

Step 7: Finish

Once the nests are baked, remove them from the oven and brush them with the warm syrup. Leave them in the oven for another 5 minutes to caramelize slightly on top.

Serving and suggestions

Allow the wasp nests to cool slightly before serving. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can pair them with a cup of green tea or aromatic coffee to contrast the sweetness of the dessert.

Variations and useful tips

- Flavor variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding vanilla or almond extracts to the dough or cream.
- Ingredients: Use high-quality butter, as it will make a significant difference in the cream's flavor. You can also replace sugar with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Storage: Wasp nests keep well in an airtight container for a few days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them and reheat in the oven before serving.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each nest contains about 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. These sweets provide quickly absorbable carbohydrates, but it's best to enjoy them in moderation due to their high sugar content.

Frequently asked questions

1. What should I do if the dough doesn't rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that you used warm milk. The rising process needs a warm environment, so avoid drafts.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will add a rustic touch, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.

3. How can I make these nests healthier?
You can reduce the sugar amount in the recipe and use plant-based milk instead of regular milk. Additionally, adding dried fruits or nuts inside will enhance the nutritional profile.

I hope this wasp nest recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and on your tables. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite flavors and ingredients! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Dough; 500-600 g flour, 1 cube of yeast, 30 g sugar, rum essence, 50 ml oil, 5 egg yolks (do not add any egg whites), 300 ml milk, salt, lemon zest. Cream: 200 g butter, 100 g sugar, zest of one lemon. Syrup: 150 ml milk, 125 g sugar.