Parisian with apples and nuts

Apple and Walnut Pastries - A Flavorful Delight for All Ages

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 pastries

Recipe Introduction
Apple and walnut pastries are a perfect choice for a delicious snack, a savory dessert, or even an energizing breakfast. These treats are made with love, bringing together the flavors of fresh apples, crunchy walnuts, and a soft dough that melts in your mouth. The origins of these delights are deeply rooted in the tradition of bakers, who created their versions to bring joy and comfort to every home.

Recipe Ingredients
For the dough:
- 300 ml milk (approximately at room temperature)
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 1 pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons raw sugar
- 2 chicken eggs
- 500 g wheat flour
- ½ cup oil (preferably sunflower oil or olive oil)

For the filling:
- 6-7 apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith or Jonagold)
- 80 g raw sugar
- 100 g walnut kernels (chopped finely)
- 2 medium carrots
- 200 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- Spices for gingerbread (cinnamon, ginger, star anise)
- 100-150 g plain biscuits (digestive type)
- 1 egg for brushing

Preparing the Dough
1. Start by gently warming the milk. It should be lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
2. In a small bowl, add the yeast, a pinch of salt, and sugar. Pour a little of the warm milk and mix gently. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. In a large bowl, sift the flour. Make a well in the center, add the yeast mixture, eggs, and the rest of the milk. Initially mix with a whisk, then start kneading the dough with your hands, gradually adding the oil.
4. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, not too dense. If necessary, add up to 50 g of flour, depending on the type of flour and the size of the eggs.
5. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and set it aside to rise until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

Preparing the Filling
1. Meanwhile, wash and peel the apples and carrots. Grate them using a coarse grater.
2. Hydrate the grated carrot in the orange juice to keep it juicy.
3. Add the grated carrot to the grated apples, along with the raw sugar.
4. Crush the biscuits in a food processor until they become fine crumbs.
5. Chop the walnut kernels according to your preferences, leaving larger pieces if you like the texture.
6. Mix the biscuit crumbs and walnut kernels into the apple and carrot mixture. This mixture will absorb the juice released by the apples, enriching the final flavor.

Forming and Baking the Pastries
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. On a working surface, pour out the dough mixture. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces.
3. Flatten each piece into a rectangle. Cut one side into strips, leaving one side whole to form the roll.
4. Add 2-3 tablespoons of apple filling at the base of the dough and carefully roll it up. Place the rolls on the prepared tray.
5. Beat an egg and brush each pastry with the egg mixture, then sprinkle a pinch of spices for extra flavor.
6. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until they turn golden and beautifully browned.
7. Finally, remove from the oven and brush them with a little water, then cover them with a clean towel to keep them soft.

Serving and Sharing
Apple and walnut pastries are delicious both warm and at room temperature. Serve them alongside a cup of lemon tea, which will perfectly complement the flavors! You can share them with family and friends, turning any occasion into a celebration of taste and tradition.

Tips and Variations
- You can add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
- Instead of walnut flakes, you can use almonds or hazelnuts to change the flavor profile.
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace the raw sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that the dough will be a bit denser. You may need to adjust the liquid amount.
2. What can I do if I don't have fresh yeast?
You can use dry yeast, being careful to adjust the proportions (about a quarter of the amount of fresh yeast).
3. How can I store the pastries?
They store well in an airtight container for a few days, but they are best consumed fresh.

Nutritional Benefits
Apple and walnut pastries are a good source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the apples and carrots. Walnuts provide healthy fatty acids, while the soft dough offers the necessary carbohydrates for energy.

Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen making these delicious pastries, bringing a touch of warmth and comfort into your life!

 Ingredients: dough: 300 ml milk 20 g fresh yeast 1 pinch of salt 3 tbsp brown sugar 2 chicken eggs 500 g wheat flour 1/2 cup oil filling: 6-7 apples 80 g brown sugar 100 g walnut kernels 2 medium carrots 200 ml orange juice (fresh) spices for gingerbread: cinnamon/ginger/anise 100-150 g plain biscuits 1 egg for brushing