Horseshoes
Delicious Horseshoes: A Dessert with a Taste of Nostalgia
Who doesn't love to savor a dessert that brings back childhood memories? Horseshoes are exactly the type of sweets that delight our taste buds and remind us of warm moments spent with loved ones. With a crispy dough and an intense flavor of roasted walnuts, these delicious cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a savory breakfast to a sweet afternoon snack.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 30 horseshoes
Ingredients:
- 200 g lard
- 400 ml sour cream
- 125 g butter (about 1/2 package)
- 4 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar + extra for dusting
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 250 g ground roasted walnuts
- 600 g flour
Preparing the dough:
1. Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. Make sure the lard and butter are at room temperature for easier incorporation.
2. In a large bowl, combine the lard, butter, sour cream, and egg yolks. Mix well with a spatula or mixer until you obtain a smooth composition.
3. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until everything is well incorporated.
4. Gradually incorporate the flour and ground roasted walnuts, mixing gently to avoid developing gluten, which could make the dough too tough.
Kneading and resting the dough:
5. Once the ingredients are well mixed, knead the dough on a floured work surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Form it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the butter to cool and achieve a crispy texture.
Shaping the horseshoes:
7. After the dough has rested in the fridge, start shaping the horseshoes. Breaking the dough into pieces the size of a walnut will help you maintain uniform sizes for each cookie.
8. Shape each piece into a horseshoe, being careful not to make it too thick, so that it bakes evenly.
9. Place the horseshoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them to allow for expansion during baking.
Baking the horseshoes:
10. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the horseshoes for 30 minutes or until they turn golden.
11. Once baked, let them cool slightly on the tray before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.
Finishing and serving:
12. While the horseshoes are still warm, dust them with powdered sugar. This detail gives them an elegant touch and makes them even more appealing.
Serving suggestions:
These horseshoes are excellent alongside a cup of tea or coffee. If you want to add extra flavor, you can serve the cookies with a spoonful of fruit jam or cream cheese.
Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the walnuts with hazelnuts or roasted almonds, and for a more intense flavor, add a few drops of rum or orange essence to the dough.
Nutritional benefits:
These horseshoes contain ingredients rich in healthy fats from walnuts and lard, providing energy and essential nutrients. However, it is best to consume them in moderation, considering the caloric content, which is approximately 120 calories per horseshoe.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use butter instead of lard?
- Yes, you can use butter, but the texture will be different. Lard provides a greater crunchiness.
2. Can I make the dough in advance?
- Certainly! The dough can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days or even frozen for later use.
3. How can I tell when the horseshoes are done?
- When they turn golden on the edges and have a pleasant aroma, they are ready to be taken out of the oven.
These horseshoes are not just a simple dessert but also a way to bring family and friends together around the table. So, don't hesitate to make them and enjoy their wonderful taste! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 200 g lard, 400 ml sour cream, 1/2 pack of butter, 4 egg yolks, 6 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 packet of vanilla, 250 g roasted ground walnuts, 600 g flour
