Stuffed nuts

Walnuts filled with chocolate and walnut cream

These filled walnuts are an irresistible delight, perfect for adding a touch of flavor to the holiday table or impressing friends at a party. Cooked with love and passion, these sweets have a rich history, often associated with moments of conviviality and joy. Whether you enjoy them alongside a cup of coffee or share them with loved ones, the filled walnuts are sure to bring smiles to the faces of those who taste them.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: approximately 30 walnuts

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 300 g lard (or margarine)
- 8 tablespoons vinegar
- 3 eggs
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet of ammonia extinguished with a little lemon juice
- 7 tablespoons oil
- 1 essence of rum
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1.1 kg flour (approximately, depending on the desired consistency)

For the filling:
- 700 ml milk
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 essence of rum
- ½ pack of margarine (or butter)
- Ground walnuts (approximately 200 g)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparation technique:

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add the softened lard and oil, mixing well to achieve a homogeneous consistency.
- Incorporate the vinegar, ammonia extinguished with a little lemon juice, rum essence, and orange zest. These ingredients will give a delicious fragrance and a special flavor to the dough.
- Start adding the flour gradually, mixing continuously. It is important to obtain a dough that is easy to shape but not too soft. Adjust the amount of flour if necessary.

2. Shaping the walnuts:
- Preheat the baking mold (usually a special mold for walnuts) and grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Form small balls from the dough and place them in the heated mold. Press lightly to give them a uniform shape.
- Bake the walnuts until they turn golden on both sides, approximately 10-15 minutes. Check them frequently to avoid burning.

3. Preparing the filling:
- In a pot, bring 700 ml of milk to a boil along with the vanilla sugar.
- In another bowl, mix the remaining 200 ml of milk with the flour and sugar. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Once the milk in the pot boils, add the milk and flour mixture and stir continuously until the mixture thickens like pudding.
- Remove from heat and add the cocoa, mixing well to avoid lumps. Let the cream cool.
- When the cream is cool, add the pieces of margarine, rum essence, and ground walnuts, mixing until you achieve a homogeneous consistency. If you want a richer filling, you can add a bit of the cleaned and ground walnut edges.

4. Assembling the walnuts:
- After the walnuts have cooled, clean the edges where necessary.
- Fill each walnut with the chocolate and walnut cream using a teaspoon or a pastry bag for a more elegant look.
- Finally, roll the walnuts in powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving and suggestions:
These filled walnuts are delicious served as they are, but they pair perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or hot tea. Also, feel free to gift them to friends or family, beautifully packaged in a decorative box.

Practical tips:
- Ensure that the lard is at room temperature to incorporate more easily into the dough.
- Don’t forget to allow some time for the walnuts and filling to cool, as this will help achieve a better texture.
- You can experiment with various types of nuts or other flavors in the filling, such as vanilla or almond essence.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of fat instead of lard?
- Yes, you can use margarine or butter, but the taste will vary.

2. How can I store the filled walnuts?
- They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or in the refrigerator for a longer duration.

3. Is it possible to prepare the filling without milk?
- Yes, you can use plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a lighter version.

These filled walnuts are not just a sweet recipe, but also a way to bring people together. Cooking is an art that connects us, and with each filled walnut, you bring a touch of joy into the lives of your loved ones. So embrace this recipe and let yourself be inspired by the magic of cooking!

 Ingredients: Dough: 300 g lard 8 tablespoons vinegar 3 eggs 6 tablespoons sugar 1 packet of baking ammonia 7 tablespoons oil 1 essence of rum grated orange peel 1.1 kg flour Filling: 700 ml milk 5 tablespoons flour 1 packet of vanilla sugar 7 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa 1 essence of rum half a pack of margarine (or you can use butter) ground walnuts powdered sugar