Childhood Nuts

Childhood Nuts – a Delicious and Nostalgic Recipe

Who doesn't fondly remember their childhood, the moments spent with grandparents, learning the secrets of cooking? Among the most cherished delights of that time are nuts, those delicious pastries filled with a rich cream of nuts and cocoa. This nut recipe is not just a sweet memory, but also a perfect way to bring joy to loved ones. In this detailed guide, I will present the necessary steps to prepare these delights, providing you with useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 minute and a half per batch
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 25-30 nuts

Ingredients for the dough:
- 2 eggs
- 13 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil, for a neutral taste)
- 13 tablespoons of milk
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla essence
- 1 packet of ammonia quenched with a tablespoon of lemon juice
- 500 g white flour
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for the cream:
- 10 roasted nuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 150 ml cold milk
- 2 tablespoons of rum (you can also use a rum extract if you want a non-alcoholic option)
- 130 g butter at room temperature
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Dough preparation:
1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or a mixer on medium speed to achieve a fine, whitish foam. This is the aerated base of the dough, which will make the nuts fluffy.

2. Gradually add the oil, mixing continuously. The oil will contribute to the soft and moist texture of the pastries.

3. Incorporate the milk and vanilla essence. These ingredients will add flavor and moisture to the dough.

4. Mix the quenched ammonia with the lemon juice until it becomes frothy and add it to the mixture. This will help the dough rise.

5. Start incorporating the flour, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently. Continue until you obtain a dough that does not stick to the walls of the bowl or your hands. This process may require a little patience, but it is essential for achieving a perfect texture.

6. Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in a dough that is easier to shape.

Cream preparation:
1. While the dough rests, prepare the cream. Chop the roasted nuts until they become breadcrumbs. You can use a food processor or a blender to do this quickly.

2. In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts with cocoa, sugar, and cold milk. Use a whisk to achieve a smooth paste.

3. In another bowl, beat the butter at room temperature until fluffy. Here, the butter should be soft enough to mix easily. Gradually add the cocoa paste, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes homogeneous and creamy.

Shaping and baking the nuts:
1. Preheat the special nut mold. It is essential to be well heated to ensure even baking. If you do not have a special mold, you can use a pan with small molds.

2. Take small pieces of dough and form balls. Make sure they are small enough to fit in the nut mold.

3. Quickly place the balls in the heated mold. It is important to work quickly, as the dough bakes instantly.

4. Bake the nuts on low heat for about 1 minute and a half, or until golden. Low heat is essential to avoid burning them.

Assembly:
1. Once the nuts have cooled, take two pieces and fill them with the nut cream. You can use a teaspoon or a piping bag to facilitate this operation.

2. Stick the two pieces together and sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This will not only add an attractive appearance but will also balance the sweet taste of the pastries.

Serving suggestions:
Childhood nuts are delicious enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a cup of aromatic coffee, a fruit tea, or even a glass of cold milk for a complete experience. These pastries are ideal for parties and gatherings with friends, bringing a touch of nostalgia to the table of any sweet lover.

Possible variations:
- You can add dark chocolate chips or nuts to the nut cream for an extra texture.
- Replace the rum with almond essence for a surprising flavor.
- Experiment with different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or pecans, to diversify the taste.

Nutritional benefits:
Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They contribute to heart health and are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative stress. They are also high in vitamins and minerals, making them a particularly nutritious choice.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the final result will be different, and the nuts will have a denser texture.

2. How can I store the nuts?
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze the nuts?
Yes, you can freeze them once fully assembled. Place them in an airtight container, and you can keep them this way for up to 3 months.

I hope this recipe brings you joy and pleasant memories from childhood! Cooking is an art form, and every detail matters. Don't forget to experiment, enjoy every step of the process, and share these delights with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Ingredients nuts: 2 eggs, 13 tablespoons of oil, 13 tablespoons of milk, 100g sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla essence, 1 packet of ammonia extinguished with a tablespoon of lemon juice, 500g white flour, a pinch of salt. Ingredients for cream: 10 walnuts that have been roasted, crushed into crumbs, 1 tablespoon of cocoa, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 150ml cold milk, 2 tablespoons of rum, 130g butter at room temperature, powdered sugar for decoration.