Nut and jam wheels
Nut and jam wheels – a delight from grandma's notebook
Welcome to the nostalgic kitchen, where today we will prepare a special recipe: nut and jam wheels. This recipe is truly special to me, having deep roots in childhood memories, when my grandmother shared the secrets of this delicacy with me. Each bite takes us into a sweet story, and the aroma of nuts and jam reminds us of family gatherings and holidays spent together.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 wheels
Necessary ingredients
For the dough:
- 350 g flour
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
For the filling:
- 200 g apricot jam (or alternatively, a cocoa cream)
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa
- 200 ml milk
- 100 g butter (for the cocoa cream)
For the meringue:
- 2 egg whites
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 150-200 g walnuts (ground)
A special detail: Make sure the nuts you use are fresh, and if you have the chance, use them from an old walnut tree, perhaps even from grandma's garden, as is my case. This will add extra flavor and authenticity to the recipe.
Step by step: How to prepare the delicious wheels
1. Preparing the cream (optional): If you choose to use cocoa cream, it is good to prepare it a little in advance. In a small saucepan, combine the flour, sugar, and cocoa. Add cold milk, stirring constantly with a whisk to avoid lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and boil the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring continuously. Once it starts to boil and thickens, turn off the heat and add the butter cut into cubes. Let the cream cool.
2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Add the flour, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar to the bowl. Knead the ingredients until you obtain a smooth ball that does not stick to your hands. It is ideal to work the dough with your hands to give it warmth and activate its sandy texture.
3. Preparing the meringue: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the powdered sugar until you obtain a fluffy meringue, but not too firm. The meringue should not be overbeaten, but should have a slightly soft consistency, ideal for spreading on the wheels.
4. Forming the wheels: Preheat the oven to 170-180°C. On a floured work surface, divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each part into a sheet about 5 mm thick. Using a knife or a cutter, cut out circles with a diameter of 4 cm (or 3 cm, but I recommend 4 cm for a more suitable size). Using a thimble or another small object, cut out the center of each circle.
5. Baking the wheels: Place the wheels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush each circle with meringue, then roll it in the ground walnuts. Place the wheels face up on the tray. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they become slightly golden.
6. Assembling: After the wheels have cooled, stick them together in pairs with apricot jam or cold cocoa cream, according to your preferences. If you want extra sweetness, dust them with fine vanilla sugar.
Useful tips
- If you want to experiment, you can replace apricot jam with other types of jam (for example, plum or raspberry) for a different flavor.
- Make sure the meringue is not overbeaten, so it does not crack during baking.
- If you do not have ground walnuts, you can opt for almonds or hazelnuts, but the taste will be different.
Nutritional benefits
These wheels are not just a delicious dessert, but also a source of nutrients. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, and apricot jam contains vitamins A and C, essential for a strong immune system.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.
2. How can I store the wheels?
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
3. What drinks pair best with these wheels?
A fruit tea or a flavored coffee are excellent choices to complement the sweet taste of the wheels.
4. Can I freeze the wheels?
Yes, you can freeze them without filling. Make sure they are well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
These nut and jam wheels are not just a dessert, but a journey through time, a sweet memory worth sharing. So, don't hesitate to prepare them for a special gathering or simply to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: DOUGH flour- 350g butter- 200g powdered sugar- 50g egg yolks- 3 vanilla sugar- 1 packet FILLING apricot jam- 200g or COCOA CREAM (Sanda Marin style) flour- 2 tablespoons sugar- 6 tablespoons cocoa- 3 tablespoons milk- 200 ml butter- 100g MERINGUE 2 egg whites 150g powdered sugar walnuts- 150-200g
