Little croissants with jam

Recipe for Jam Horns – A Homemade Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 12-15 horns

Jam horns are a classic dessert, loved by everyone. These little delicacies are perfect for a weekend afternoon, to be shared with loved ones or to bring a touch of joy after a long day. Whether you enjoy them with a fragrant tea or a glass of milk, these horns are truly irresistible.

The history of these treats spans many generations, made with love in households around the world. Our recipe is simple and easy to follow, and the result will surely be appreciated.

The ingredients needed for this recipe are:

- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 25 g melted but cooled butter
- 3-4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 egg
- 500 g flour (plus extra for dusting)
- Jam (of any type you prefer: apricot, plum, raspberry, etc.)

Before we begin, let's discuss some details about the ingredients. Fresh yeast is essential for fluffy and airy horns. Make sure the milk is not too hot, otherwise, it will kill the yeast. The butter adds a delicious flavor and a soft texture to the dough, while the sugar will provide the necessary sweetness.

Now let's move on to the preparation steps:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the cube of yeast in the lukewarm milk. Add a tablespoon of sugar and 100 g of flour. Mix well, then let this mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to work wonders in our dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a bread machine (or in a large bowl if you prefer to knead by hand), add the sifted flour. Pour in the milk mixture with the yeast and start the kneading program. If kneading by hand, mix the ingredients with a spatula, then switch to kneading with your hands.

3. Adding the ingredients: As the dough forms, gradually add the melted butter, egg, and the remaining sugar. Continue kneading until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough that easily pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

4. Rising the dough: Transfer the dough to a bowl dusted with flour. Cover it with a clean towel to protect it from drafts. A personal suggestion: if it’s cold outside, you can let the dough rise in the oven at a very low temperature (about 30-40°C) to encourage rising. Let the dough rise for one hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Shaping the horns: Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface. Divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle and cut it into triangles. Place a tablespoon of jam at the base of each triangle and roll it from the base to the tip, forming the horn.

6. Second rising: Place the horns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for 20 minutes, covering them again with a damp towel.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Before placing them in the oven, brush the horns with beaten egg to give them a golden and appetizing color. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

8. Serving: Once the horns are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness. These horns are excellent served warm but can also be kept for the following days (if they last!).

Helpful tips:
- If you want a vegan version, you can replace the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a well-mashed banana or a mixture of water and flax seeds.
- Experiment with different types of jam or even chocolate for the filling.
- The horns can be frozen. Shape and fill them, then freeze before baking. When you want to bake them, you can place them directly in the oven without thawing.

Nutritional benefits:
These horns provide carbohydrates from the flour, and the jam adds vitamins and antioxidants, especially if you opt for natural fruit jams without additives. They are also a good source of energy, ideal for a delicious breakfast or a snack.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, being careful to adjust the amount (about 7 g of dry yeast is equivalent to one cube of fresh yeast).
- How can I prevent the horns from sticking?
Make sure the surface and your hands are well dusted with flour. Also, use parchment paper on the tray.

These jam horns will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Feel free to customize them to your preferences! Cooking is about exploration and fun, so enjoy every step of the process!