Apricot jam and roasted almond pies

Apricot Jam and Roasted Almond Pies

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 16 pies

Short history
Pies are a traditional dish found in many cultures, often associated with festive occasions. Frequently made with sweet or savory fillings, these delicacies are appreciated for their versatility. The recipe we will explore today combines the sweetness of apricots with the flavor of roasted almonds, resulting in an explosion of tastes that will delight anyone's taste buds.

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g flour + for dusting the work surface
- 250 ml milk
- 120 g margarine
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 eggs
- 70 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond essence
- 1 teaspoon rum
- Zest of 1 clementine
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)

For the filling:
- approx. 200 g apricot jam
- 150 g roasted almonds

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the yeast is fresh and the almonds are roasted to add an intense flavor to the pies. If you have raw almonds, you can quickly roast them in a pan, being careful not to burn them.

2. Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, gently heat the milk. Add the sugar and vanilla sugar, stirring until completely dissolved. Then, add the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam. This step is essential, as the activated yeast will make the dough rise beautifully.

3. Preparing the margarine
Melt the margarine in a bowl in the microwave, being careful not to boil it. Let it cool slightly. It is important to use only the yellow part of the margarine, as the white residue left in the bowl will not be used.

4. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, essences, clementine zest, and the two eggs. Using a spiral mixer, mix the ingredients on low speed, gradually pouring in the milk-yeast mixture. Once all the milk has been added, add the melted margarine and increase the mixer speed. Mix everything for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and homogeneous.

5. Letting it rise
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour. The dough will become soft and slightly sticky, but don't worry, it will firm up as it rises.

6. Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, roast the almonds in a pan, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once they are golden, let them cool slightly, then chop them finely and mix them with the apricot jam.

7. Forming the pies
After the dough has risen, sprinkle some flour on the work surface and roll out a sheet about 5 mm thick. Using a knife or a glass, cut out circles with a diameter of 8 cm. On each circle, add a heaping teaspoon of apricot jam with almonds. Pinch the edges to form a pie and make sure they are well sealed.

8. Second rise
Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, with the sealed side down, leaving space between them. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

9. Baking the pies
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the pies with beaten egg yolk to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Bake them for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden and fluffy.

10. Serving
Once the pies are ready, let them cool slightly, then dust them with sugar. These pies are delicious warm, but can also be enjoyed cold. You can serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fragrant tea for a complete culinary experience.

Practical tips
- Flour: Use good quality flour, preferably with a higher gluten content, to achieve a more elastic dough.
- Apricot jam: You can experiment with other types of jam, such as peach or plum, for interesting variations.
- Almonds: If you don't like almonds, you can use roasted walnuts or pistachios, which will add a crunchy texture and a different flavor.
- Serving: These pies pair perfectly with a warm chocolate sauce or a vanilla dressing for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional information
One pie contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the filling and size. They provide a good source of carbohydrates from the flour and protein from the eggs, while the almonds add healthy fats and protein.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to follow the instructions on the package to activate the yeast correctly.
- Can I freeze the pies? Yes, the pies freeze very well. I recommend freezing them unbaked and baking them directly from the freezer.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the pies? Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the jam filling can intensify the flavor and make them even more delicious.

This recipe for apricot jam and roasted almond pies will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 500 g flour + for dusting the work surface 250 ml milk 120 g margarine 25 g yeast 2 eggs 70 g sugar 2 packets of vanilla sugar 1 teaspoon almond essence 1 teaspoon rum zest of one clementine 1 pinch of salt 1 egg yolk For the filling: about 200 g apricot jam 150 g almonds