As cozy as home

Ear-shaped pastries like at mom's house

Who among us does not fondly remember the inviting smell of ear-shaped pastries freshly taken out of the oven, transporting us back to childhood? This recipe for ear-shaped pastries, with a fluffy texture and delightful aroma, is perfect for bringing a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them at breakfast, in the afternoon with a cup of tea, or as dessert, ear-shaped pastries are always a wonderful choice. Let's begin this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 pastries

Ingredients:
- 2 fresh eggs
- 200 ml sour milk (or kefir)
- Approximately 1 kg of flour (may vary depending on dough consistency)
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (50 g)
- Zest of one orange
- 300 g sugar
- 150 g margarine
- 100 g butter
- 100 g sugar (for filling)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the sour milk mixture: In a pot, add the sour milk, sugar (300 g), and vanilla sugar. Place the pot over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes warm. Do not let it boil, just warm it up. This step will activate the flavors and prepare the base for our dough.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, crumble the yeast and add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar from the 300 g. Mix well to help activate the yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.

3. Melting the margarine: In a suitable container, melt the margarine in the microwave. Make sure not to leave it too long, just enough to become liquid. This will add a soft texture to our dough.

4. Kneading the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour (starting with 800 g and adjusting as necessary), mix with the orange zest, then pour in the sour milk mixture and the activated yeast. Add the melted margarine and eggs. Knead the dough until it becomes homogeneous and elastic. It should be a firmer dough, similar to that used for sweet bread. If it is too sticky, add flour gradually.

5. Letting it rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in volume, about 1 hour. This step is essential for obtaining fluffy and airy pastries.

6. Shaping the pastries: After the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured work surface. Divide the dough into balls the size of a child's fist. Roll each ball into a thin sheet. Brush the sheets with melted butter and sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar on each. Roll the sheets tightly, joining the ends to form a log.

7. Cutting and forming: Use a sharp knife to cut the logs into 2 cm intervals, but not all the way through! Gently open the slices to form the pastries. This trick will give them an airy and fluffy appearance when baked.

8. Second rising: Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rise for another 20-30 minutes, then preheat the oven to 180°C.

9. Baking: Bake the pastries for 35 minutes or until golden and nicely browned. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they can become dry.

10. Serving: Once the pastries are ready, let them cool slightly, then sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. You can serve them with a cup of tea or coffee, or even with warm chocolate sauce for an extra treat.

Nutritional benefits:
Ear-shaped pastries are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the whole day. Eggs and sour milk add protein and calcium, essential for bone health. The orange zest not only provides a pleasant aroma but is also rich in vitamin C, contributing to strengthening the immune system.

Tips and variations:
- Instead of orange zest, you can use lemon zest for a more citrusy flavor.
- Experiment with fillings by adding ground nuts or raisins between the layers of dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Ear-shaped pastries can be served warm or at room temperature, but they are also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Frequently asked questions:
1. What can I do if the dough doesn't rise? Make sure the yeast is fresh and that you have left the dough in a warm place.
2. Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, butter provides a richer flavor and better taste.
3. How can I store the pastries? They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen.

Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, ear-shaped pastries like at mom's house are an excellent choice. Enjoy every bite and don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: - 2 eggs - 200 ml sour milk, kefir - flour - 2 packets of vanilla sugar - 1 cube of yeast (50 g) - orange peel - 300 g sugar - 150 g margarine - 100 g butter - 100 g sugar