Stuffed nuts
Stuffed nuts - a sweet and fun recipe
These stuffed nuts are a sweet delicacy that has delighted generations. With an appealing appearance and an unmistakable taste, they are perfect for parties, gatherings with friends, or simply to indulge your taste buds. Although their name suggests an association with nuts, they are actually delicious cookies with a creamy filling that will bring a smile to anyone's face. In this recipe, I will explain step by step how to prepare them at home, providing you with helpful tips and information about the ingredients.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 20 stuffed nuts
Ingredients for shells:
- 4 eggs
- 100 g butter or margarine (at room temperature)
- 150 ml oil
- 200 g sugar
- 5 g baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 750-800 g flour
Ingredients for cream:
- 400 ml milk
- 150 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons starch
- 150 g butter or margarine (at room temperature)
- Juice and zest of one lemon
Preparing the shells
1. Start by preparing a large bowl in which you will beat the eggs. Use an electric mixer to mix them together with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and the sugar dissolves completely. This step is essential, as aerating the eggs will bring a fluffier texture to the shells.
2. Add the melted butter and oil to the egg and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until well combined. Make sure the butter is not hot, so it doesn't cook the eggs.
3. In another bowl, mix the baking powder with the flour. This step will help distribute the leavening agent evenly in the dough.
4. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet composition, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. It may seem at first that it won't come together, but keep mixing until you get a smooth, moldable dough.
5. From the dough, form small balls, about 2-3 cm in diameter. This is a fun step, and if you have kids, you can involve them in the process of forming the nuts.
6. Place the balls in the baking machine (or a baking tray if you don't have a special machine) and bake them over medium heat until they turn golden. Baking time may vary, but it usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes. Make sure to check them regularly!
Preparing the cream
1. In a saucepan, put the milk and sugar and heat over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
2. In another bowl, mix the flour with the starch. Add a ladle of warm milk to the mixture and mix well, ensuring no lumps form.
3. Pour the flour and starch mixture into the saucepan with the milk and stir continuously. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the cream thickens. This is a crucial step – the mixture should not boil, so keep it on low heat and continue stirring.
4. Once the cream has thickened, let it cool to room temperature.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the butter with the vanilla until it becomes frothy. Gradually add the cooled cream, mixing continuously. Finally, add the juice and zest of the lemon for an extra touch of freshness.
Assembling the nuts
1. Take half of the nut shells and put a teaspoon of cream on each. Then, stick another half of the nut on top, thus forming a whole nut.
2. Roll each nut in powdered sugar, giving them a shiny and sweet appearance.
3. Place the nuts on a platter and leave them at room temperature to soften for at least one night. This step will help develop the flavors and make the nuts more tender.
Helpful tips
- Use ingredients at room temperature, especially butter and eggs. This helps with better homogenization of the dough and cream.
- You can experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate or hazelnut cream, if you want to add a personal touch to your recipe.
- These nuts are ideal to be served with a cup of coffee or tea, but they also make a perfect gift for friends and family.
Nutritional benefits
These stuffed nuts are not only delicious but also a good source of energy, thanks to the carbohydrates from sugar and flour. The butter provides healthy fats, and the lemon adds a dose of vitamin C. Although they are high in calories, when consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but results may vary depending on the type of flour used.
2. What should I do if the cream curdles?
If your cream curdles, try mixing it again over low heat, adding a little warm milk to bring it back to a smooth texture.
3. How can I store the stuffed nuts?
Stuffed nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can also freeze them, but make sure to let them thaw completely before serving.
These stuffed nuts are not just a recipe, but an experience full of joy and satisfaction. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, they are sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Dough: 4 eggs 100 g butter/margarine 150 ml oil 200 g sugar 5 g baking powder Vanilla 750-800 g flour Cream: 400 ml milk 150 g sugar 3 tablespoons flour 3 tablespoons starch 150 g butter/margarine Juice and zest of one lemon
