Croissants with plum jam
Little Croissants with Plum Jam – A Traditional Delicacy
Welcome to the world of aromatic delights, where tradition meets the passion for cooking! Today, I will teach you how to prepare little croissants with plum jam, a recipe that brings a touch of nostalgia and comfort. These croissants are perfect for a sweet snack, a quick dessert, or to beautify your holiday table.
Total time: 2 hours (30 minutes of preparation + 1 hour of resting + 30 minutes of baking)
Number of servings: 20 – 24 croissants
A brief history
Croissants have been prepared for generations and are loved for their tender texture and delicious filling. Whether filled with plum jam, nuts, or Turkish delight, each variation has its unique charm. These delicacies are often associated with holidays and moments spent with loved ones. Although their shape may vary, the taste remains constant – an explosion of flavors and an unforgettable pleasure!
Ingredients
- 1 pack of margarine (preferably Unirea, for a rich flavor)
- 1 cup of lard (this will give a tender texture)
- 1 cup of bors (a source of acidity that helps the dough rise)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (for an extra flavor)
- Flour (as needed, approximately 500 g, but it may vary)
- Homemade plum jam (or another preferred filling)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
Preparation
1. Activating the yeast: Start by crumbling the cube of yeast into a small bowl. Add the vanilla sugar and the cup of bors. Mix well until the yeast dissolves completely. Once activated, the yeast will help achieve a fluffy dough.
2. Preparing the fats: Let the margarine soften at room temperature. Cut it into cubes and mix it with the lard in another bowl. The fat mixture will give the croissants a tender texture and a delicious taste.
3. Sifting the flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate it. Add the fat mixture and then the yeast and bors combination. Start mixing with a spatula or with your hands until the ingredients combine and a dough begins to form.
4. Kneading the dough: Here comes the magic moment! Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. This process is essential for obtaining tender croissants.
5. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This will allow the fats to harden and the dough to relax, making it easier to form the croissants.
6. Shaping the croissants: After the dough has been in the refrigerator, take it out and divide it into 4-5 pieces. Work with one piece at a time, keeping the rest cool. Roll each piece of dough into a thin circle, then cut it into triangles. In each triangle, add a teaspoon of plum jam, then roll it from the base of the triangle to the tip, forming the croissant.
7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden. The aromas will fill the kitchen, and anticipation will grow!
8. Finishing: Remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a special look and sweet taste.
Serving and suggestions
Little croissants with plum jam are delicious served warm, but they are just as good cold. They pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for an afternoon snack. You can also try other fillings, such as ground nuts or Turkish delight, to add variety.
Nutritional benefits
These croissants are a sweet treat, but when consumed in moderation, they can be a delightful part of a balanced diet. Homemade plum jam is a good source of fiber and antioxidants, while the fats from margarine and lard contribute to a soft and pleasant texture.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of flour since whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
2. How can I keep the croissants fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent them from drying out.
3. What is the best filling?
It depends on your preferences! Plum jam is a classic choice, but you can experiment with melted chocolate, jams, or nuts.
Useful tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start to achieve a uniform dough.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon to the filling or citrus zest for a special taste.
- If you want fluffier croissants, you can add an egg to the dough.
These little croissants with plum jam represent not just a recipe but also a way to bring joy into the lives of your loved ones. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, I am sure they will become your family's favorites! Enjoy!
To begin with, I crumbled the yeast into a small bowl over which I added the vanilla sugar and a cup of bors. I left the margarine at room temperature and then cut it into cubes and mixed it with the lard. Separately, I sifted the flour over which I added the lard with margarine and the mixture of bors with yeast. A elastic dough is kneaded and left in the fridge for an hour. I filled them with jam and when I took them out of the oven, I dusted them with powdered sugar... Oh Lord, how I could eat another one, no matter what it’s filled with...! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: a pack of Unirea margarine, a cup of lard, a cup of borscht, a cube of yeast, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, flour as needed, homemade fruit preserve, powdered sugar.
