Mom's croissants

Mom's Croissants - A recipe full of memories and unmistakable flavors

Croissants are that delicacy that reminds us of childhood, family meals, and warm moments spent with loved ones. These tender pastries, filled with Turkish delight or jam, hold a special place in the hearts of many of us. The recipe I propose is simple and quick, perfect to prepare at home, bringing smiles to your faces and delicious aromas to the kitchen. Let's start our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 20 croissants

Necessary ingredients

- 250 g margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- A quantity of lard the size of a walnut (optional, to add extra flakiness)
- 2 whole eggs + 2 egg yolks
- 150 g sugar
- 150 ml milk
- 750 g flour
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 250 g Turkish delight (or thicker jam, depending on preferences)

Necessary utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Kneading board
- Rolling pin
- Knife or dough cutter
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper (optional)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a large bowl, add the margarine (or butter) that has been kept at room temperature for a few hours. It is important for the margarine to be soft to incorporate easily with the sugar.
- Cream the margarine well with the sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving a tender dough.

2. Adding wet ingredients:
- Add the whole eggs and the two egg yolks, mixing continuously.
- Incorporate the vanilla sugar, baking powder dissolved in a little milk, and sour cream. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

3. Incorporating the flour:
- Gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula or by hand, until the dough begins to come together. It is important not to over-knead, as we want the dough to be as flaky as possible.
- Finally, add the grated lemon zest, which will provide a fresh and subtle flavor.

4. Resting the dough:
- Let the dough rest for 15 minutes in a warm place. This step allows the gluten to relax, which will make the croissants flakier.

5. Shaping the croissants:
- After the dough has rested, divide it into 20 pieces (balls). Work with each piece one at a time, rolling it out with a rolling pin into a round shape.
- Use a knife or dough cutter to cut each disc into 8 equal parts, like a pizza.

6. Filling the croissants:
- Choose your preferred filling: slices of Turkish delight or jam. Place a slice of Turkish delight or a teaspoon of jam on each cut piece.
- Roll each croissant from the edge towards the center, forming a semicircle. Make sure the filling does not leak during baking.

7. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake the croissants for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden and beautifully browned.

8. Finishing:
- After baking, let the croissants cool on the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a plate.
- Dust powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and a sweet aroma.

Chef's tip
For a personal touch, you can add a teaspoon of rum or almond essence to the dough, giving it a unique flavor. Also, try experimenting with different fillings: ground nuts, chocolate, or even pistachio paste.

Nutritional benefits
These delicious croissants, although a dessert, can be enjoyed in moderation. White flour is a source of carbohydrates, and eggs provide essential proteins. If you choose to use fruit jam, you will also benefit from the vitamins and antioxidants from the fruit.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use oil instead of margarine?
- Although margarine provides a better texture, you can use oil, but you will need to adjust the amount.

2. How can I keep the croissants fresh?
- Keep the croissants in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for a few days.

3. Can I freeze the croissants?
- Yes, the croissants can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in the freezer.

Delicious combinations
Mom's croissants pair perfectly with a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. Also, a glass of cold milk or a warm hot chocolate can add an extra touch of comfort.

So, get ready to bring a touch of nostalgia into your kitchen and enjoy these tender croissants, full of flavor and memories. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 250 g Rama margarine (butter) the size of a walnut 2 eggs 2 egg yolks 150 g sugar 150 ml milk 750 g flour 4 tablespoons sour cream 1 vanilla sugar 1 baking powder zest of one lemon 250 g Turkish delight jam of a firmer consistency