Urside

Urșide, those delicious pastries that blend tradition with the magic of the Holidays, are true gifts from Heaven for Christmas. Each bite of these sweet delights reminds us of the joy and warmth of gatherings with loved ones. Preparing them becomes not just a culinary activity, but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories. This captivating recipe for cream pastries with cognac and roasted nuts will transform the Christmas table into a true feast. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 cup oil
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 1 packet baking powder

For the cream:
- 350 ml milk
- 1 packet Bourbon vanilla sugar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 g butter
- A few roasted and ground hazelnuts

For the syrup:
- 250 ml water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cognac (or another strong drink)
- 4 tablespoons coffee (brewed)

For decoration:
- 150 ml liquid cream
- A bit of dark chocolate
- A bit of grated lemon zest
- Orange peel preserved in sugar in a jar
- Chopped nuts (not ground)
- Dr. Oetker wafer flowers

Preparation of Urșide pastries:

1. Preparing the roasted nuts: We start with the nuts, an essential ingredient that adds texture and flavor to the pastries. Chop a little nut, mix it with some sugar, and spread the mixture on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven at low heat for 5-10 minutes. Be careful to supervise it, as it can burn quickly. The roasted nut will add an intense and aromatic flavor, perfect for Christmas.

2. Preparing the base: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form a foam. When the foam starts to stiffen, add 2 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a firm and shiny foam. In another bowl, mix the yolks with the other 2 tablespoons of sugar until they become a light-colored cream. Slowly pour the yolks over the egg white foam, gently mixing with the mixer. Add the oil in a thin stream, followed by the baking powder and flour, thoroughly homogenizing the mixture.

3. Baking the base: Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and bake in the preheated oven at 180°C (medium heat) for about 25 minutes or until the base turns golden. Check with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the base is ready. After baking, let it cool completely on a rack.

4. Preparing the cream: In a saucepan, mix the milk with the sugar, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and flour. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly. When the mixture starts to thicken, continue to stir vigorously for one minute, then remove from heat. Add the roasted and ground hazelnuts, along with the butter, and mix well. Let the cream cool.

5. Preparing the syrup: In a small pot, boil the water with the sugar for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Quickly add the cognac and coffee, stirring well. Let the syrup cool.

6. Assembling the pastries: Cut the base into circles, hearts, or squares using pastry cutters. Each shape is cut into two layers. Soak each slice with syrup, without letting the pastry become too wet. Add a layer of cream, sprinkle with roasted nuts and a bit of lemon zest, then place the top layer on.

7. Decorating the pastries: Whip the liquid cream until it becomes creamy and smooth. Melt a bit of chocolate in a bain-marie or chocolate fondue. Coat the pastries in cream or chocolate, decorating them with nuts, wafer flowers, and orange peel preserved in sugar in a jar.

Useful tips:
- It is important that all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a fluffy base and a smooth cream.
- If you want a more intense nut flavor, you can add more, but be careful not to overshadow the other flavors.
- Urșide pastries can be served with a cup of coffee or aromatic tea, bringing a warm and comforting note to the Christmas table.

Nutritional benefits:
These pastries are rich in nutrients, thanks to ingredients like nuts and hazelnuts, which contain healthy proteins, unsaturated fats, and essential vitamins. Additionally, dark chocolate and cream add a touch of luxury, but also calories, so it's best to enjoy in moderation.

Possible variations:
You can experiment with different types of nuts or hazelnuts, such as almonds or cashews, to achieve different textures. Also, replacing cognac with rum or whiskey can give the pastries a distinct note.

Personal story:
I remember how, every year, my mother would prepare these pastries for the Christmas table. The aroma of nuts and orange filled the whole house, and my siblings and I eagerly awaited to enjoy them. Now, preparing this recipe for my loved ones, I continue the tradition and create new unforgettable memories.

In conclusion, Urșide pastries are not just a dessert, but also a way to bring the family together around the table. Enjoy these delights and embrace the spirit of Christmas!

 Ingredients: For the base: 5 eggs; 4 tablespoons sugar; 1 pinch of salt; 1 cup oil; 5 tablespoons flour; 1 packet baking powder; For the cream: 350 ml milk; 1 packet Bourbon vanilla sugar; 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 pinch of salt; 100 g butter; A few roasted and ground hazelnuts; For the syrup: 250 ml water; 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons cognac (or another spirit); 4 tablespoons coffee (brewed); For decoration: 150 ml liquid cream; A bit of dark chocolate; A bit of grated lemon zest; Orange peel preserved in sugar in a jar; Chopped walnuts (not ground); Dr. Oetker wafer flowers.

 Tags:  christmas table homemade cookies christmas cookies christmas menu cookies cream cake cake for christmas