Croissants with plum jam and walnuts

Little croissants with plum jam and walnuts

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Number of servings: 30 croissants

Little croissants with plum jam and walnuts are one of those traditional recipes that remind us of childhood, family meals, and moments spent with loved ones. These delights, with a flaky dough and rich filling, are perfect for serving on any occasion, whether it’s a celebration, a gathering with friends, or simply a delicious dessert.

The ingredients needed for this quick and simple dessert are easy to find, and the preparation is a pleasant and comforting experience.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg flour
- 400 g lard (or 2 packs of margarine)
- 250 ml milk
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 6 tablespoons sour cream
- 200 g sugar
- 5 eggs

For the filling:
- 300 g plum jam
- 300 g ground walnuts
- Zest from 2 lemons
- 50 ml milk
- 150 g sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar

For dusting:
- Powdered sugar

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This is an essential step, as sifting helps aerate the flour, making the dough fluffier. Add the lard cut into cubes and knead with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. If you choose margarine, make sure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation.

2. Activating the yeast:
In a small container, warm the milk until it is lukewarm (not hot!). Add the yeast and let it dissolve for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial, as the activated yeast will help the croissants rise beautifully.

3. Combining the ingredients:
Once the yeast is activated, add it to the bowl with the flour mixture. Add the sour cream, sugar, and eggs. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous dough that comes away from your hands. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

4. Rising:
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for at least 1 hour. You will notice that the dough will double in volume, which is a sign that the yeast is doing its job.

5. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the sugar, warm milk, lemon zest, and vanilla sugar. This mixture will add a fresh and tasty flavor to your croissants.

6. Shaping the croissants:
After the dough has risen, divide it into four equal parts. Take one part and roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a sheet about 5 mm thick. Use a knife or a cutter to cut into triangles. Add a tablespoon of the jam or walnut filling to each triangle, then roll them tightly into a crescent shape.

7. Baking:
Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased with oil, leaving space between them to rise. Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C) and bake the croissants for 20-25 minutes until golden and fragrant.

8. Finishing:
Once baked, remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool slightly. While still warm, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance and a sweet-bitter taste.

9. Serving:
These little croissants with plum jam and walnuts are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and for a fresh note, a fruit compote or vanilla ice cream would be the perfect combination.

Useful tips:
- You can replace the plum jam with marmalade from other fruits or a chocolate filling, depending on your preferences.
- If you want to enrich the flavor, you can add a few drops of rum or vanilla essence to the filling.
- For a more intense taste, you can toast the walnuts before grinding them.

Nutritional benefits:
These croissants are a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, while the walnuts provide an important contribution of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Plum jam is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of fat instead of lard?
Yes, you can use margarine or butter, although lard gives a more authentic taste and a flakier texture.

2. How do I keep the croissants fresh?
Place the croissants in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

3. Is it possible to make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Make sure it is well covered to prevent it from drying out.

I conclude this culinary journey with the hope that you will try to prepare these little croissants with plum jam and walnuts, thus bringing a touch of tradition and love into your kitchen. Every bite will be a pleasant memory that will transport you to the beautiful moments of life. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 400 g lard (or 2 packets of margarine), 250 ml milk, 50 g yeast, 6 tablespoons sour cream, 200 g sugar, 5 eggs. Filling: 300 g plum jam, 300 g ground walnuts, zest from 2 lemons, 50 ml milk, 150 g sugar, 2 packets vanilla sugar. Powdered sugar for dusting.