tractor wheels
Tractor Wheels – A Nostalgic Delight
Who doesn’t remember their childhood, the sweet and fragrant taste of desserts lovingly prepared by grandparents? This Tractor Wheels recipe is not just a simple dessert; it’s a journey into flavorful memories. These round cookies, filled with jam and nuts, are perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, they are easy to make and can quickly become a favorite among friends and family.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 20 wheels
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 3 large eggs (fresh, preferably from free-range chickens)
- 1 cup (about 200g) of sugar
- 400g of lard (for an authentic taste and a tender texture)
- 1 packet (10g) of baking powder
- Flour as needed (approximately 600g, but this will vary depending on the moisture content of the ingredients)
For the filling cream:
- 300g of ground walnuts (ideal for a rich taste and a crunchy texture)
- 1 jar (400g) of plum jam (or your favorite jam)
- 30g of margarine (to enrich the cream)
For decoration:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting on top)
Preparing the dough:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve better homogenization of the mixture.
2. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the 3 eggs with the sugar until you achieve a fluffy foam. This step is essential for ensuring a light and airy texture of the dough.
3. Add the lard: Incorporate the lard (which should be soft but not melted) into the egg mixture. Mix well until homogeneous.
4. Incorporate the baking powder: Add the baking powder and mix again. This will help the dough rise and become fluffier.
5. Flour: Start adding flour gradually, mixing continuously. Continue to add flour until you obtain a soft dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. It’s important not to add too much flour, as the dough should remain easy to shape.
Shaping the Wheels:
6. Prepare the meat grinder: Attach the grinder with a cookie shape (or, if you don’t have one, you can use a pastry bag with a large tip) and lightly grease it with oil to prevent the dough from sticking.
7. Fill the grinder: Take portions of the dough and place them in the grinder. Then, form round pieces, about 5 cm in diameter.
8. Baking: Place the wheels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes, or until golden.
Preparing the filling cream:
9. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the plum jam with the ground walnuts and margarine. Mix well to obtain a smooth cream. This will be the filling for your wheels.
10. Fill the wheels: Once the wheels have cooled, take two and fill them with the jam and walnut cream, sticking them together.
Finishing and serving:
11. Decoration: Finally, dust the wheels with powdered sugar to give them an elegant appearance and add a touch of sweetness.
12. Serving suggestion: These wheels are delicious served plain, but you can pair them with a cup of lemon grass tea or a creamy cappuccino.
Tips and useful advice:
- Variations: If you want to try a different version, you can use hazelnuts or almonds instead of walnuts. You can also add a few drops of vanilla or rum essence to the jam cream for an extra flavor boost.
- Storage: The wheels keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or you can freeze them for later enjoyment.
- Nutritional benefits: Nuts are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, while plum jam provides fiber and aids digestion.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of jam? Yes, you can use any type of jam you prefer, such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot.
- What can I do with leftover dough? You can use it to make cookies or other personalized desserts.
These Tractor Wheels are not just a dessert; they are a childhood story, a sweet memory, and a joy you can share with your loved ones. Try them and let their flavors take you away!
Ingredients: 3 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1 jar of 400g lard, 1 packet of baking powder, flour as needed, 300g ground walnuts, 1 jar of 400g plum jam, 30g margarine