Wasp nests made by grandma

Wasp Nests Made by Grandma – A Fluffy and Aromatic Treat

What could be more delightful than childhood memories when grandma spoiled us with the most delicious treats? Today's recipe, wasp nests, is a perfect combination of fluffy dough and sweet filling that will transport us back in time. These tender and aromatic rolls are ideal for breakfast, snacks, or desserts, and the filling can be adapted to everyone's taste. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 nests

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 300 ml lukewarm milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 240 g sugar
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1/2 vanilla bean

For the filling cream:
- 200 g sugar
- 1/2 vanilla bean (optional)
- 100 g ground nuts or raisins (optional)

Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: approximately 250 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fats: 12 g

Preparing the dough:

1. In a large bowl, mix 20 g of yeast with 150 ml of lukewarm milk. Add a pinch of sugar to activate the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to bubble and rise. This is an essential step to achieve fluffy dough.

2. Once the yeast has risen, add the remaining flour (350 g), 150 ml of milk, 4 egg yolks, and 40 g of sugar. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

3. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes. It is important to knead it well, as this helps develop the gluten, providing the desired structure.

4. After kneading the dough, let it rise in a warm place, covered with a damp towel, for 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the filling:

1. In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter with 200 g of sugar and 1/2 vanilla bean, which you have split lengthwise. Use a fork or mixer to achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream. The vanilla aroma will give a delicious taste to your nests!

2. If desired, you can add the ground nuts or raisins to the butter mixture, providing a crunchy note and extra flavor.

Forming the nests:

1. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thick rectangle about 1 cm. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness.

2. Spread the butter cream over the rolled-out dough, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Rolling the dough will create delicious layers that will turn into tender nests.

3. Roll the dough to form a tight roll. Then cut the roll into pieces about 2 fingers wide.

4. Place the dough pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for rising. Cover the tray with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Baking:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Before placing the tray in the oven, you can brush the nests with a mixture of 1/2 cup of milk and a packet of vanilla sugar. This trick will not only make them look more appetizing but will also give them a sweet and aromatic taste.

2. Bake the nests for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden and fluffy. It is important to keep an eye on them, as baking time may vary depending on the oven.

3. Once baked, let them cool slightly on a rack. They can be served warm or cold, according to preference.

Serving suggestions:

Wasp nests are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce. A fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee pairs perfectly with these treats.

Possible variations:

- Substitute nuts with almonds or pistachios for a different flavor.
- Experiment with different vanilla flavors or add cinnamon to the filling cream for a more complex taste.
- You can also add dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for a fruity note.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 7 g of dry yeast and follow the same instructions, but there is no need to let it rise in milk. You can add the yeast directly to the flour.

2. What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is active. Check the expiration date and use lukewarm milk, not hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.

3. How can I store the wasp nests?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can freeze them, and to reheat, use the oven or microwave.

These wasp nests are not just a classic recipe but also a way to bring joy every day. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these delights are sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, don’t hesitate! Put on your apron and let’s cook together!