Apricot Jam Stars

Stars with apricot jam - Delicious and easy recipe

Total preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Number of servings: 25 stars

Introduction

Here's a recipe that combines tradition with flavor - starlets with apricot jam! These sweet delights are perfect for any occasion, from festive parties to a quick snack with a cup of tea. The history of these little stars is lost in the mists of time, but it's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create joy and flavor. Whether you're preparing them for a get-together with friends or just to treat yourself, these little stars will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Ingredients

- 250 g flour
- 70 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 2 yolks
- 125 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 50 g apricot jam (you can also use strawberry jam, blackcurrant jam or any jam you like)
- 50 g powdered sugar (for decoration)

Ingredient tips

1. Flour: Use 000 or 650-type flour for a smooth, easy-to-handle texture.
2. Sugar: You can opt for brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but white sugar is perfect and easy to use.
3. Jam: Choose a quality jam, preferably without added preservatives. Apricot jam gives a balanced sweetness, but feel free to experiment with other flavors!
4. Butter: Make sure the butter is soft, but not melted, to get an even and easy to spread dough.

Preparation technique

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a large bowl, si sift the flour and add the sugar and grated orange zest. Mix the dry ingredients well to combine evenly.
- Add the yolks and softened butter to the flour mixture. Use a mixer or knead with your hands until you have a smooth dough. It is important not to overwork the dough; it should be soft and pliable.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in cling film and chill for about 60 minutes. This step is essential for a good baking texture.

2. Heat the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens).

3. Rolling out the dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 0.3mm thick. Use a rolling pin to obtain an even thickness.
- Use a star shape (or any other shape you like - hearts, flowers, etc.) to cut out the stars. In the middle, cut a small circle in the middle to create a transparent effect.

4. Assembling the stars:
- Place the whole stars on a tray lined with baking paper or greased with a little butter. Superimpose the stars with holes over the whole ones.
- Fill each star with half a teaspoon of apricot jam. Be careful not to overfill, so as not to overflow during baking.

5. Baking:
- Place the pan in the oven and bake the stelettes for 12-15 minutes, until light golden. Check every 5 minutes as every oven bakes differently.

6. Finishing:
- Once the starlets are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once they've cooled completely, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions

These little stars are delicious hot or cold. Serve them with a cup of flavored tea or a glass of milk for the perfect treat. They're also ideal as dessert at a festive meal or as a sweet snack at any time of the day.

Possible variations

- Instead of apricot jam, try combinations with orange marmalade or raspberry jam for a different touch.
- Add spices such as cinnamon or vanilla to the batter for an even more flavorful taste.
- For a healthier option, try replacing some of the butter with coconut oil.

Nutrition facts

Per serving, apricot jam stelettes contain about 150 calories. This is an estimate that may vary depending on the ingredients used and the size of the stars. Flour, sugar and jam provide carbohydrates, while butter provides healthy fats (in moderate amounts). These treats may be considered an indulgent snack, but with a balance in the daily diet, they can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of jam?
Yes, you can use any of your favorite jam, but make sure it has a similar consistency to apricot jam so as not to affect the texture of the stars.

2. Why is it important to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps to harden the fats, which keeps the stars from warping during baking.

3. What can I do with leftover dough?
You can cut them out and bake them separately into biscuits or freeze them for later use.

So, don't think twice! Get your apron on, get your ingredients ready and let the magic of cooking with these apricot jam stelettes take you away. Enjoy the process and, most of all, the end result! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For about 25 pieces 250g flour 70g sugar 1 teaspoon orange zest 2 egg yolks 125g butter 50g apricot jam (strawberries, currants, according to preferences) 50g powdered sugar