Croissants with jam and walnuts
Little crescent pastries with jam and walnuts - a delicious and comforting recipe
Welcome to the magical world of cooking, where every ingredient has a story, and every recipe is an opportunity to create delicious memories! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing little crescent pastries with jam and walnuts, a simple recipe with a unique flavor, perfect for a sweet snack or a quick dessert that will delight both friends and family.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 20 pastries
A bit of history
Crescent pastries are a tradition in many cultures, often associated with festive moments and family gatherings. These delicate treats, filled with jam and walnuts, have been enjoyed by generations, and each family has its own version. In our recipe, the combination of sour cherry jam and walnut meat offers a perfect contrast, while the orange zest adds a note of freshness and aroma.
Ingredients
To prepare the little crescent pastries with jam and walnuts, you need the following ingredients:
- 500 g flour
- 160 g lard (or butter for a richer taste)
- 120 ml sparkling water (still water can be used, but sparkling water adds a lighter texture)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- Zest of one orange (for an intense citrus flavor)
- 1 vanilla essence (optional, but recommended)
- 300 g sour cherry jam (or any other preferred jam)
- 100 g ground walnuts
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
Step by step for delicious pastries
1. Preparing the dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential to avoid lumps and to achieve a fine dough. Add the sugar, orange zest, a pinch of salt, and the baking powder. Mix the dry ingredients well so that the flavors combine harmoniously.
2. Incorporating the lard: Add the lard cut into cubes to the flour mixture. Use your fingers to knead the lard into the flour until you achieve a fine crumb texture. This is the key to having a flaky dough.
3. Adding the water: Start gradually adding the cold water, mixing continuously, until the dough becomes homogeneous and non-sticky. It’s important not to add all the water at once but to incorporate it gradually to avoid making the dough too soft.
4. Chilling the dough: Once you have obtained the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it chill for an hour. This step will allow the dough to rest and will make rolling the pastries much easier.
5. Filling the pastries: After the dough has chilled, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out a piece of dough into a thin rectangle. On one side of the rectangle, place a generous layer of jam mixed with the ground walnuts.
6. Rolling the pastries: Roll the dough from the side with the filling, forming a log. Make sure the log is tightly rolled, then gently flatten it with your hands to even it out.
7. Cutting and baking: With a sharp knife, cut the log into pieces about 2-3 cm long. Place the pastries on a greased baking tray, leaving a little space between them as they will rise while baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pastries for about 25 minutes, or until they turn golden.
8. Finishing touches: After taking them out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then dust them with powdered sugar to give them an inviting appearance and an extra sweetness.
Useful tips for a perfect result
- Always check the freshness of the ingredients, especially the flour and baking powder.
- If you don’t have sour cherry jam, you can use any other preferred jam, such as peach, plum, or berry jam.
- You can also add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a more complex flavor.
- If you want to try a healthier version, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use butter instead of lard?
Yes, butter will provide a richer flavor, but make sure it is well incorporated into the flour.
2. How can I store the pastries?
The pastries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a longer duration.
3. Can I freeze the pastries?
Yes, it is possible to freeze the pastries before baking them. Make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
4. What can I serve the pastries with?
These pastries are delicious alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream for a more sophisticated dessert.
5. What are the nutritional benefits of the ingredients?
Flour is an important source of carbohydrates, while walnuts are rich in healthy fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The jam adds an extra energy boost, but moderation is recommended due to its sugar content.
Take your time to enjoy this process and create delicious pastries that bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Each bite will remind you of those unforgettable moments spent with family, surrounded by love and kindness. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 500 g flour, 160 g lard, 120 ml mineral water, 150 g sugar, 1 baking powder, orange zest, vanilla essence, 300 g jam (sour cherry), 100 g ground walnut, powdered sugar
