Nests with walnut and cinnamon

Nut and Cinnamon Nests: A Delightful and Aromatic Treat

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Who doesn’t remember the inviting scent of a freshly baked dessert that fills the entire house with warm and comforting aromas? These "nut and cinnamon nests" are a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a gathering with friends, a celebration, or simply a lazy afternoon at home. This recipe is not only simple, but the final result is simply irresistible!

The history of these nests is closely tied to cooking traditions from various cultures, where sweets with nuts and spices have always been cherished. The combination of crunchy nuts and sweet cinnamon offers an explosion of flavors that will make you come back to this recipe again and again.

The main ingredients are easy to find and you probably already have them in your pantry. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 80 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 50 g butter (softened)
- 1 and ½ teaspoons dry yeast
- 2 eggs
- 150 ml milk (warm)
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 1 pinch of salt
- Vanilla (to taste)

For the caramel:
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g nuts (broken into pieces)
- 1 tablespoon butter

For the filling:
- 100 g nuts (ground)
- 80 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 30 g cocoa

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the yeast
Start by making a yeast mixture from 100 g of flour, the dry yeast, and honey dissolved in 100 ml of warm milk. Mix well and let it rise in a warm place until bubbles form on the surface. This step is essential as it ensures the yeast is activated, helping the dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the bowl of a bread machine (or a large bowl if you don’t have a machine). Add the eggs, sugar, softened butter, oil, the remaining milk, and gradually add the flour. Knead until you get an elastic and smooth dough. It’s important not to use too much flour; the dough should remain slightly sticky.

Step 3: Letting the dough rise
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise for about an hour, until it doubles in size. This resting time will allow the gluten to develop, and the dough will become fluffy.

Step 4: Preparing the caramel
While the dough is rising, prepare the caramel. In a pan, add 100 g of sugar and let it cook on low heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden. Add the butter and mix well to obtain a smooth caramel. Pour the caramel into a heatproof dish and sprinkle the broken nuts on top. Let it cool.

Step 5: The filling
In a bowl, mix all the filling ingredients: ground nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa. This combination will add a rich and aromatic flavor to the dessert.

Step 6: Forming the nests
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Evenly sprinkle the filling mixture over the entire surface and gently press it down with your hand to adhere. Roll the dough as tightly as possible and, with a sharp knife, cut strips 2-3 cm wide.

Step 7: Placing in the dish
Place the strips of dough in the heatproof dish over the caramelized nuts, making sure to leave a little space between them as they will rise again. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 8: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the nests for about 30 minutes or until they turn golden and fluffy. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

Step 9: Inverting and serving
As soon as you take them out of the oven, invert the nests onto a platter, being careful not to burn yourself. Let them cool slightly before serving. These nests are delicious both warm and at room temperature.

Practical tips:
- If you want a sweeter filling, feel free to add more sugar.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts: almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios to give the recipe an interesting twist.
- These nests go wonderfully with a cup of warm milk or aromatic tea. Also, for those who prefer more sophisticated drinks, a sweet wine or a nut liqueur could be ideal accompaniments.

Nutritional benefits:
Nuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, contributing to cardiovascular health. Additionally, cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

These nut and cinnamon nests are more than just a simple dessert; they are a sensory experience that will bring smiles to everyone’s face. Try this recipe, enjoy every step, and savor the final result!

 Ingredients: * For the dough we need: * 500 g flour * 80 g sugar * 1 teaspoon honey * 50 g butter * 1 and 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast * 2 eggs * 150 ml milk * 4 tablespoons oil * salt * vanilla * Caramel: * 100 g sugar * 100 g chopped nuts * 1 tablespoon butter * For the filling we need: * 100 g ground nuts * 80 g sugar * 1 tablespoon cinnamon * 30 g cocoa