Laura's Pearls by Laura S.

The dessert I propose today is a delicious and refined recipe, perfect for special occasions or simply to indulge your senses. These almond-filled rounds, covered with white chocolate and coconut flakes, are not only tasty but also visually appealing. Let's embark together on the preparation of this refined dessert that will leave everyone speechless.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Number of servings: 20 rounds

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 300 g butter or Maestro margarine
- 400 g powdered sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 vial of bitter almond essence (Dr. Oetker)
- 400 g shelled and ground almonds
- 500 g flour

For the filling/cream:
- 150 ml milk
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 300 g shelled and finely ground almonds
- 2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
- 200 g vanilla-flavored cream or vanilla sorbet

For decoration:
- 200 g white chocolate (preferably Milka)
- 50 g coconut butter
- 200 ml coconut syrup or cream
- 200 g coconut flakes

Brief history

This type of almond dessert is inspired by rich culinary traditions, where the aroma of almonds is often associated with celebrating special moments. Whether it’s a family lunch or a party, these rounds are always a cherished choice.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed butter or margarine with the powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to achieve a smooth, creamy mixture that will form the delicious base of the dough.
2. Add the egg yolks, salt, and bitter almond essence. Continue mixing until well combined.
3. Gradually incorporate the ground almonds and flour, mixing with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a soft dough. It’s important not to overwork the dough to avoid it becoming too hard.
4. Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This will help the dough become easier to shape.

Step 2: Shaping the rounds

1. After the dough has chilled, remove it and divide it into smaller pieces. On a floured work surface, roll out each piece of dough into sheets about 3 mm thick.
2. Using a cookie cutter, cut out rounds with a diameter of 2.5-3 cm. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the rounds for 10-12 minutes. Be careful! They should remain white and not brown too much.

Step 3: Preparing the filling

1. In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil, add the sugar and Amaretto liqueur. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Add the ground almonds and mix, then let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Once cooled, incorporate the vanilla-flavored cream or vanilla sorbet. Mix well until you obtain a smooth cream.

Step 4: Assembling the rounds

1. Take two baked rounds and fill them with the previously prepared cream, placing a generous amount in the center.
2. Dip the edges of each round in coconut syrup or cream, then in coconut flakes to give them a crunchy texture and a wonderful appearance.

Step 5: Decorating

1. To decorate the rounds, melt the white chocolate together with the coconut butter. You can do this by placing the ingredients in a plastic bag, sealing it well, and submerging it in warm water (about 40°C) until melted.
2. Mix the contents of the bag to achieve a smooth mass. Cut a small corner of the bag and fill each round with melted white chocolate.
3. Place the rounds on a flat plate and let them cool. The chocolate will harden, giving an elegant and appetizing appearance.

Practical tips

- Storing the filling: You can prepare the filling in advance, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
- Alcohol alternative: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the Amaretto liqueur with almond or vanilla essence.
- Perfect texture: Ensure that the chocolate and coconut butter are well combined to avoid lumps.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can experiment with other ground nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts, but the flavor will vary.
- How can I serve these rounds? They are excellent as a dessert at a party or alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be beautifully arranged on a serving plate, decorated with a few mint leaves for a fresh look.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This dessert, while delicious, is high in calories, having about 250-300 kcal per serving, depending on size. Almonds are an excellent source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, beneficial for heart and skin health.

Possible variations

1. Vegan version: Replace the butter with coconut oil and the cream with a plant-based alternative.
2. Flavorings: Add a few drops of essential orange or lemon oil to the filling for a fresh note.
3. Different coating: Instead of white chocolate, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a more intense version.

These almond rounds are an excellent choice to impress guests or to indulge your family. With a little patience and love, you will create a dessert that will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: dough: - 300g butter/margarine - 400g powdered sugar - 3 egg yolks - a pinch of salt - 1 vial of Dr. Oetker bitter almond essence - 400g peeled and ground almonds - 500g flour filling/cream: - 150ml milk - 100g granulated sugar - 300g peeled and finely ground almonds - 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur - 200g vanilla-flavored cream or vanilla-flavored sorbet decoration: - 200g white chocolate (Milka) - 50g coconut butter - 200ml coconut syrup or cream - 200g coconut flakes