Mom's croissants

Mom's crescent rolls, a recipe that combines nostalgia with the delicious flavors of childhood. These delightful pastries filled with jam are perfect for accompanying a cup of tea or coffee, but they can also be enjoyed as a dessert at festive meals. The origins of these crescent rolls are lost in time, but it is clear that every housewife has her own version that bears her signature. Let's discover together how to prepare these delicate and tender crescent rolls, step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 20 crescent rolls

Ingredients:
- 500 g wheat flour (it is ideal to use type 000 flour for a finer texture)
- 50 g fresh yeast (or 20 g of dry yeast)
- 250 ml sour cream (full-fat sour cream provides a more intense flavor)
- 50 ml lukewarm water
- 250 g pork fat (preferably use quality lard)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Plum and quince jam for filling (you can also use other jams according to preference)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation instructions:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by dissolving the fresh yeast in the lukewarm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. If using dry yeast, it can be added directly to the flour.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sour cream and salt. Mix well with a spatula or whisk, then add the dissolved yeast. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It is important not to knead the dough too much, as we want a delicate texture.

3. Resting the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest in the fridge for 10 minutes. This resting period will help develop the gluten.

4. Rolling out and greasing the dough: After the dough has rested, take it out of the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a thin sheet. Spread the pork fat evenly over the sheet, ensuring that no dry corners are left.

5. Folding: Fold the greased sheet like an envelope: fold it in thirds, then in thirds again, forming a square. Place the envelope in the fridge for another 10 minutes. This folding process will help create delicate layers in the crescent rolls.

6. Repeat the process: Repeat the rolling and folding four more times. Each step will contribute to achieving a flaky and layered texture. Be careful not to let the fat escape from the dough during these operations.

7. Shaping the crescent rolls: Finally, roll out the dough into a thin sheet on a floured surface. Use a knife or cutter to cut triangles. Add a teaspoon of plum or quince jam at the base of each triangle and roll the crescent rolls from the base of the triangle to the tip.

8. Baking: Place the crescent rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 250°C and bake the crescent rolls for 15 minutes or until golden. Be careful, as baking time may vary depending on the oven.

9. Decorating and serving: After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly, then dust them with powdered sugar. These crescent rolls are best served cold. You can store them in a tin box, where they will stay fresh for up to 4 weeks.

Practical tips:
- Types of jam: You can experiment with different types of jams, such as apricot, raspberry, or even chocolate for a more decadent version.
- Variations: Add a little vanilla or lemon zest to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Serving: These crescent rolls pair perfectly with a cup of warm milk or herbal tea.

Nutritional information (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Protein: 2 g

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use butter instead of pork fat? Yes, but the texture will be different.
- Can the crescent rolls be frozen? Yes, after they have completely cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container.
- What is the secret to getting flaky crescent rolls? Use cold ingredients and do not over-knead the dough.

I hope this recipe for mom's crescent rolls brings not only delicious taste but also beautiful memories to your kitchen. Enjoy!