Saints

Delicious Saints Recipe - A Traditional Dessert Full of Flavor and Story

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 40 pieces

Saints are a traditional dessert, full of flavor and symbolism. It is said that these treats are prepared on festive occasions and bring joy to the homes of those who savor them. With a fluffy texture and a sweet taste, saints are perfect for sharing with loved ones, whether it's a festive meal or a gathering with friends. Let's discover together how to prepare them!

Ingredients:

- 900 g of wheat flour type 000
- 100 ml of oil
- 1 tablespoon of margarine
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 3 eggs
- 100 ml of yogurt
- 250 ml of warm milk
- 30 g of fresh yeast
- 200 g of sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Honey (for brushing)
- 100 g of ground walnuts or hazelnuts (for decoration)

Necessary utensils:

- A large mixing bowl
- Another bowl for beating the eggs
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking tray
- Baking paper
- A preheated oven

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by placing the flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour the freshly dissolved yeast in 200 ml of warm milk. This step is essential as the yeast needs warmth to activate fermentation. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes until the yeast starts to foam.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add the sugar and lemon zest, continuing to mix until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, add the yogurt, margarine, butter, and oil, blending the mixture well.

3. Combining the ingredients: After the yeast has risen, add the egg mixture to the flour. Mix with a spatula, then start kneading with your hands, gradually adding flour and oil until you obtain a moldable, non-sticky dough. A useful trick is to add a little flour at first but not to rush to add the entire amount. The dough should be slightly elastic and not stick to your hands.

4. Allowing to rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. This is a perfect time to relax and mentally prepare for the next step.

5. Shaping the saints: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 40 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball or small shapes, placing them in a baking tray lined with baking paper. Make sure to leave some space between them as they will expand during baking.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the saints for about 15 minutes until they turn golden and fluffy. Be careful, as the exact time may vary depending on your oven. You can check if they are ready with a simple test: if you gently touch them, they should spring back quickly to their original position.

7. Finishing: After baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. While they are still warm, brush them with honey and sprinkle the ground walnuts or hazelnuts on top. These not only add a crunchy texture but also a delicious flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the saints.

Useful Tips:

- Choose ingredients carefully: Use high-quality flour to achieve a fluffier dough. Also, make sure the yeast is fresh for good rising.
- Experiment with flavors: You can add extra flavors such as vanilla essence or cinnamon to give a personal touch to your recipe.
- Storage: Saints can be kept in an airtight container for a few days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. It's a great idea to always have a delicious dessert on hand!
- Serving: These saints are delicious alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They also pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream, bringing a contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Nutritional Information:

Saints are a source of carbohydrates due to the flour and sugar, but also protein from the eggs. Honey adds a note of antioxidants, while nuts provide healthy fats. However, like any dessert, it should be consumed in moderation, especially if you are mindful of caloric intake.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Replace 30 g of fresh yeast with about 10 g of dry yeast. Make sure to activate it before adding it to the dough by mixing it with warm milk.

2. Can I add fruits to the dough?
Yes! You can add raisins, dried blueberries, or even pieces of apples to diversify the flavor.

3. How can I make the recipe healthier?
Replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the amount of sugar. You can also use olive oil instead of margarine.

4. What other serving options can I try?
Saints are delicious with a chocolate or caramel sauce, or you can add a simple yogurt glaze for a flavor contrast.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try Saints at home! Each bite will bring a smile to your loved ones' faces, and the satisfaction of preparing them will be unmatched. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 900 g of wheat flour, 100 ml of oil, 1 tablespoon of margarine, 1 tablespoon of butter, 3 eggs, 100 ml of yogurt, 250 ml of milk, 30 g of yeast, 200 g of sugar, lemon zest, honey, 100 g of ground walnuts or hazelnuts.