Cherry jam pastries

Cherry Jam Rosettes

Who doesn't love the sweet and slightly tart aroma of cherries? These cherry jam rosettes are a delicacy that combines the fragility of the dough with the irresistible flavor of the jam. These pastries are perfect for a sweet snack, a light dessert, or even to impress guests at a party.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people

Necessary ingredients:

- 40 g lard (or butter, if you prefer)
- 80 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 25 g fresh yeast
- a pinch of salt
- zest from ½ lemon (for extra flavor)
- 125 ml lukewarm milk
- 250-300 g flour (type 000, for a finer dough)
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- oil for frying
- powdered sugar for decoration
- cherry jam, preferably from a special jar (or homemade)

The history of rosettes is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. These pastries are often associated with festive occasions, being a symbol of joy and conviviality. Whether enjoyed with a fragrant coffee or a warm tea, cherry jam rosettes are definitely a sweet indulgence.

Preparing the rosettes

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Make sure the lard is at room temperature for easier incorporation. If using butter, it's ideal to let it soften a bit before preparation.

2. In a large bowl, add the lard and sugar. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to beat them well until the mixture becomes a homogeneous and slightly lighter foam. This will help achieve tender and fluffy rosettes.

3. In a separate container, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk. Ensure the milk is not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam.

4. Add the activated yeast to the bowl with lard and sugar. Next, add the yolks, rum essence, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

5. Start gradually incorporating the flour, mixing with a spatula or your hands until you obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the rosettes may become too dense.

6. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it doubles in volume. This is a crucial step for fluffy rosettes.

7. Once the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll it out with a rolling pin until you obtain a sheet about 5 mm thick.

8. Use a glass or a pastry cutter to cut circles from the dough. Each circle should have a diameter of about 6-8 cm.

9. With a knife, make 5-6 cuts in each circle without cutting all the way through, to allow the rosette to open beautifully while frying.

10. In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking to avoid burning the rosettes.

11. Fry each rosette on both sides until golden and crispy. Place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

12. After they have cooled slightly, dust the rosettes with powdered sugar and add a cherry from the jam in the center of each rosette.

Serving suggestions and variations

These cherry jam rosettes can be enjoyed as they are or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperatures and textures. You can also try substituting the cherry jam with other types of jam, such as apricot or raspberry, to vary the flavors.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 8 g of dry yeast instead of 25 g of fresh yeast. Add it directly to the flour.

2. How can I store the rosettes?
The rosettes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. To keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer bag.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be prepared a day in advance, allowed to rise, then covered and placed in the refrigerator. The next day, take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before cutting and frying.

Nutritional benefits

Cherry jam rosettes are not only delicious but also a source of vitamins and minerals, especially due to the cherries. They contain antioxidants that contribute to heart health and strengthen the immune system. However, it's best to consume them in moderation, considering the sugar and calorie content.

Calories

A serving of cherry jam rosettes has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size and the amount of oil used for frying.

Enjoy this treat that you prepared with love, and don't hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family! Cherry jam rosettes are more than just a simple dessert – they are a culinary experience full of flavor and sweet memories.

 Ingredients: 40 g lard, 80 g sugar, 2 egg yolks, 25 g yeast, a pinch of salt, zest from 1/2 lemon, 125 ml milk, 250-300 g flour, 1 teaspoon rum essence

 Tags:  sour cherry jam sweets