Frogs

The meringue and nut cookies, popularly known as "froglets", are a true delicacy that combines fragility with a rich and sweet taste. These little sweet wonders have a special story and are often used for special occasions, such as weddings or anniversaries. I discovered this recipe from a friend of my mother, and the first time I tasted these cookies, I was simply captivated by their fluffy texture and enticing aroma. Since then, "froglets" have become a favorite dessert in our family.

If you are wondering why they are called "froglets", I can tell you that the name comes from their cute appearance, as well as the ingenious way they are folded. Although the preparation process may seem tedious at first, with a little patience, you will achieve a spectacular result. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 40 cookies

Ingredients:
- 400 g sour cream
- 200 g lard
- 125 g (half a package) of margarine or butter
- 4 eggs (separate yolks and whites)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- 560 g flour
- Powdered sugar for decoration
- Nuts or walnut kernels (as fresh as possible)

Preparation:
1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the sour cream with the lard and melted margarine. Add the yolks and vanilla essence, mixing well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Finally, gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula or by hand until the dough becomes firm and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

2. Breaking the dough: Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. From each piece, form a thin sheet, which you brush with melted margarine. Roll each sheet tightly, forming a log. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Preparing the meringue: The next day, preheat the oven to 180°C. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the 4 tablespoons of sugar until you obtain a firm and shiny meringue. It is important to use a completely clean bowl, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.

4. Forming the cookies: Remove the logs from the refrigerator and cut them into slices about 1 cm thick. For each slice, gently press in the middle with your finger to create an indentation. Then, roll each piece with a rolling pin, forming a thin circle. Place a teaspoon of meringue in the center and add a nut or walnut kernel.

5. Wrapping the "froglet": Close the cookie by bringing the sides of the dough over the nut, completely wrapping it. Twist the ends like a candy to seal the filling well.

6. Baking: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to prevent sticking during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cookies turn golden.

7. Finishing: After removing them from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, then dust them generously with powdered sugar. This detail will give an elegant appearance and a special taste.

These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to store. They can last up to 2 weeks, and with each passing day, they become even more tender. They are an ideal dessert to be given as a gift or enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Useful tips:
- If you want to vary the filling, you can also use other types of nuts or even dried fruits.
- Make sure the dough is well refrigerated; this will make the rolling and forming process much easier.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add a few drops of almond essence to the meringue.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use butter instead of lard?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Lard gives a unique taste and fragility.

2. How can I tell if the meringue is ready?
The meringue is ready when it forms firm and shiny peaks, and the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. What other types of nuts can I use?
Pecan nuts or pistachios are excellent alternatives to diversify the flavor.

These meringue and nut cookies are more than just a simple dessert; they represent a piece of our hearts and beautiful memories from family meals. So, arm yourself with the ingredients and let yourself be inspired by this wonderful recipe! Don’t forget to share these cookies with your loved ones, because, after all, cooking is a way to spread joy. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 400 g sour cream, 200 g lard, half a pack of margarine or butter, 4 eggs, 4 tablespoons sugar, 1 vanilla essence, 560 g flour, powdered sugar, hazelnuts or walnuts

 Tags:  cookies sour cream fat unt nut