Quick Pies

Quick Cream and Lemon Zest Pastries

Welcome to the world of delicious quick pastries! In this recipe, you will discover how to make easy-to-prepare pastries with an incredible taste that will remind you of happy moments spent with loved ones. Whether you want to serve them with morning coffee or as a dessert after a hearty dinner, these pastries are perfect for any occasion. Let's get started!

Preparation Time:
- Total time: 1 hour
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 12 pastries

Ingredients:
- 1 kg flour
- 100 g thick cream
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 75 g margarine
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 packet baking powder
- Oil for frying

Necessary Utensils:
- Large bowl
- Spatula
- Work surface (work table)
- Frying pans
- Grater for lemon zest
- Powdering bag (optional)

Nutritional Information:
Each serving of pastries has approximately 250 calories, providing a mix of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, proteins from eggs, and fats from margarine and cream. These pastries are an excellent choice for a treat, but remember to enjoy them in moderation!

Brief History:
Pastries are a popular dessert in many cultures, often symbolizing moments of conviviality and celebration. It is believed that pastry recipes have been passed down through generations, with each family personalizing them by adding their own flavors and ingredients. This simple recipe is a perfect example of how we can transform ordinary ingredients into a delight that pleases the taste buds.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by placing the flour in a large bowl. Add the diced margarine and begin mixing with your fingers or a spatula until the mixture resembles wet sand. It is essential not to overmix to avoid developing gluten.

2. Adding Wet Ingredients:
At this point, add the 50 g of sugar, grated lemon zest, vinegar, and baking powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

3. Including Eggs and Cream:
Add the 2 eggs, cream, and milk. Start mixing with a spatula or your hands until all the ingredients come together into a cohesive dough. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little extra milk.

4. Resting the Dough:
After obtaining a uniform dough, cover it with plastic wrap and let it chill for 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

5. Shaping the Pastries:
On a floured work surface, take a piece of dough and roll it out with a rolling pin until you get a thin sheet. You can cut them into round or square shapes, depending on your preference.

6. Frying:
In a frying pan, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, add the pastries one by one, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry each pastry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden and crispy.

7. Powdering with Sugar:
After removing them to a platter, let them cool slightly. Mix the powdered sugar with the vanilla sugar and generously dust the pastries. This step will not only make them look attractive but will also give them a sweet and aromatic taste.

Serving:
These quick pastries are best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. They are delicious alongside a cup of aromatic tea or freshly brewed coffee. You can also combine them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an absolutely delightful dessert!

Practical Tips:
- Cheese Variation: For a hearty version, you can add cottage cheese or feta cheese to the dough.
- Additional Flavors: Instead of lemon zest, you can use orange zest or vanilla to change the flavor of the pastries.
- Cocoa Powder: If you like chocolate pastries, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, butter is an excellent choice and will give the pastries a richer flavor.
- What other fillings can I use for the pastries? You can experiment with jams, berries, or melted chocolate.
- How can I store the pastries? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! These quick pastries with cream and lemon zest are perfectly sweet, fluffy, and delicious. Enjoy every bite and share them with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 2 eggs, 1 kg flour, lemon zest, 100 g sour cream, baking powder, 200 g powdered sugar, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 75 g margarine, 100 ml milk, 1 teaspoon of vinegar

 Tags:  pies pie recipe simple pies