Pastries with lard

Savoury Crescents with Lard – a traditional recipe that brings with it family memories and stories from grandma's kitchen. These delicious pastries, with a soft core and sweet filling, are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a celebration, a gathering with friends, or simply a sweet snack during the day. Let’s see together how we can recreate this flavorful recipe.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-18 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 crescents

Ingredients:

- 250 g lard (or butter if you don’t have lard)
- 150 ml warm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 100 g sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
- 500-600 g flour (sifted beforehand)
- Fruit jam (preferably apricot or plum)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

A bit about lard:
Lard is a traditional ingredient that gives a unique taste and fine texture to the dough. Unlike butter, lard is less expensive and often used in traditional recipes. This lard crescent recipe is an excellent way to bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the lard: Make sure the lard is at room temperature to mix easily with the sugar. In a large bowl, place the lard and add the sugar. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous, creamy composition.

2. Activating the yeast: In another bowl, pour the warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and add the yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast starts to activate and forms foam.

3. Combining the ingredients: Add the milk and yeast mixture to the lard with sugar. Add the salt, vanilla sugar, and vanilla essence. Mix all the ingredients well.

4. Kneading the dough: Start adding the sifted flour gradually, mixing constantly. When the dough becomes harder to mix, turn it out onto a working surface and knead with your hands. The dough should be elastic and easy to shape, but not too soft. If necessary, you can adjust the amount of flour by adding a little at a time.

5. Chilling the dough: Once you have a homogeneous dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. This step is essential as it helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to shape.

6. Shaping the crescents: After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface. Cut the dough into squares with a side of 5 cm.

7. Filling the crescents: In each square, place a small piece of fruit jam (about a teaspoon is sufficient). I recommend using a jam with a firmer texture that won’t leak easily during baking.

8. Forming the crescents: Roll each square into a crescent shape, ensuring the filling stays well sealed inside. You can use your fingers to pinch the corners so they are better sealed.

9. Baking: Place the crescents on a baking tray, leaving space between them as they will rise during baking. There’s no need to grease the tray due to the fat in the dough. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the crescents for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn golden.

10. Finishing: As soon as you take them out of the oven, roll the warm crescents in powdered sugar for a sweet and attractive finish. This step adds not only flavor but also a delightful aesthetic touch.

Serving and suggestions:
Savoury crescents with lard are best served warm, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can use them as a dessert for a special lunch or simply as a snack during the day. They can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use butter instead of lard?
Yes, but lard gives a more special texture and taste. If you choose butter, the crescents will be more delicate.

2. Can I add other fillings?
Absolutely! You can experiment with Nutella, chocolate, or even sweet cheese. Be creative!

3. How many calories do the crescents have?
Approximately, each crescent has between 100-120 calories, depending on size and filling.

4. How can I keep the crescents fresh for longer?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid keeping them in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Conclusion:
Savoury crescents with lard are not only a delicious recipe but also a way to reconnect with our grandmothers' culinary traditions. By experimenting with fillings and adding your personal touch, you can transform this simple recipe into a culinary masterpiece. Enjoy every bite and all the pleasant memories it will bring!

 Ingredients: 250 g lard, 150 ml milk, 25 g yeast, 100 g sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla essence, 500-600 g flour, fruit jam, powdered sugar.