Sweet Fir

Sweet tree: a festive delicacy made from leftover sweets

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 3-24 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 20 minutes - 24 hours
Servings: 10-12 servings

During the holidays, we enjoy delicious sweets that remind us of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. However, after Christmas and New Year's, we often have leftover cookies and cakes, and the sweet tree is the perfect solution to transform them into something special. This recipe is not only an ingenious way to recycle leftover sweets but also adds a festive touch to the holiday table.

The history of the sweet tree is one full of creativity. In many cultures, it is customary to use leftover ingredients from sweets at the end of the year to create new delicacies, and the sweet tree is a wonderful example of culinary fantasy. This dessert not only looks fantastic, but its taste is an explosion of flavors, thanks to the combination of nuts, essences, and glaze.

Here’s how you can create the magic of this sweet tree at home!

Ingredients:
- 500 g dry cookies (cookie edges)
- 200 g soft butter
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 100 g ground nuts
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 1 teaspoon orange essence
- Lemon glaze Dr. Oetker (for decoration)
- Dr. Oetker candy (for garnish)
- Dr. Oetker sugar paste pens (for details)

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. Soft butter is essential for easy integration into the mixture. Measure the cookies, nuts, and powdered sugar accurately.

2. Mixing the ingredients: Place the cookies in a food processor and blend them until they become a fine powder. Add the soft butter, powdered sugar, ground nuts, rum essence, and orange essence. Mix everything until the mixture becomes homogeneous and slightly sticky.

3. Shaping the tree: Prepare a seasonal mold, ideally a tree shape. Line the mold with plastic wrap to facilitate the removal of the sweet tree after cooling. Press the mixture into the mold using a spatula, ensuring it is even.

4. Cooling the sweet tree: Cover the mold with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tree for at least 3 hours, but ideally leave it overnight. This step is crucial as it helps the mixture to set and hold its shape.

5. Preparing the glaze: Once the tree has cooled sufficiently, you can prepare the lemon glaze according to the instructions on the package. Make sure you have all the tools ready to apply the glaze evenly.

6. Decorating the sweet tree: Remove the tree from the mold, place it on a rack, and spread it with the lemon glaze. Once the glaze starts to set, use the candies and sugar paste pens to decorate it as you wish. Be creative! You can add stars, baubles, or even snow (powdered sugar) for a festive look.

Useful tips:
- Alternative ingredients: If you don’t have cookies, you can use biscuits or leftover cake. You can also add raisins, cocoa, or sour cherries to the mixture for a different taste.
- Flavors: The essences can be personalized. Instead of rum essence, you can use almond or vanilla essence to add a distinct note.
- Glaze: If you prefer a fluffier glaze, you can replace the lemon glaze with melted chocolate, which will add a decadent touch to your dessert.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A sweet tree brought to the holiday table can be a healthier option if you choose to use high-quality ingredients. Fiber-rich cookies, nuts that are an excellent source of healthy fats, and butter that provides a creamy texture all contribute to a delicious dessert. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, so enjoy it in moderation!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can use almonds, hazelnuts, or cashews, depending on your preferences.
- Is the sweet tree suitable for vegans? You can make a vegan version using plant-based butter and replacing the glaze with melted dark chocolate.
- How long does the sweet tree last? In an airtight container, it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Ideal combinations:
The sweet tree pairs perfectly with a warm winter tea or spiced mulled wine. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a fruit compote to add a touch of freshness.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start making this delicious sweet tree. It’s a simple yet full of personality recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Happy cooking and enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dry biscuits, cake edges approx. 500 g, Butter approx. 200 g, Powdered sugar approx. 50 g, Ground nuts 100 g, Rum essence 1 teaspoon, Orange essence 1 teaspoon. For decoration: Dr Oetker lemon glaze, Dr Oetker candies, Dr Oetker sugar paste pencils.

 Tags:  fir tree fir tree christmas new year sweets for holidays