Plum and walnut jam baskets

Mini Pastries with Plum Jam and Walnuts: Delights for Carolers

During winter, when snow covers the ground and holidays bring joy, there is nothing more pleasant than indulging in treats that delight our taste buds. This recipe for mini pastries with plum jam and walnuts is perfect for carolers, but also for any festive occasion. Delicious and easy to prepare, these small culinary masterpieces will surely become the stars of your table. From the quantities mentioned, you will get about 45 pieces, enough to share with loved ones.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Number of Servings: 45 mini pastries

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 4 egg yolks
- 400 g flour
- 150 g lard (or butter, if you prefer a creamier taste)
- 4 tablespoons sour cream (about 100 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Filling:
- 470 ml plum jam (or any other preferred jam)
- 4 egg whites
- 250 g sugar
- 200 g ground walnuts

Preparing the Dough

1. Gather Ingredients: In a large bowl, gather all the ingredients for the dough: egg yolks, flour, lard, sour cream, and baking powder. It is essential for the lard to be at room temperature for it to incorporate well into the dough.

2. Mix: Use a spatula or your hands to mix the ingredients. Continue mixing until you obtain a homogeneous and elastic dough. If you find the dough too dry, add a tablespoon of sour cream to improve it.

3. Resting the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 30 minutes. If you have time, you can also refrigerate it to make it easier to work with.

Shaping the Mini Pastries

4. Prepare the Work Surface: Grease the work surface with a little oil to prevent the dough from sticking. Then, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 5 mm.

5. Cutting Shapes: Use a glass or a round cutter to cut circles from the dough. Place each circle into the mini pastry molds, ensuring they sit evenly.

6. Reusing the Dough: Don’t throw away the leftover dough! Knead it again, roll it out, and cut circles until all ingredients are used up.

Filling the Mini Pastries

7. Fill the Pastries: Add a tablespoon of jam or preserves into each pastry. Choose a quality jam to add a rich and intense flavor.

Preparing the Meringue

8. Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Then, gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm meringue that holds its shape.

9. Incorporate the Walnuts: Add the ground walnuts into the meringue and gently fold in from the top down to avoid deflating the egg whites.

10. Add the Meringue: Use a spoon to place a layer of meringue on each pastry, ensuring you cover the jam well.

Baking

11. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray with pastries in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the meringue turns lightly golden.

12. Cooling: Once baked, let the pastries cool in the tray for a few minutes, then carefully remove them from the molds and place them on a cooling rack.

Serving and Suggestions

- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once completely cooled, you can dust the pastries with powdered sugar for a festive look and an extra sweet taste.

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of jam, such as raspberry or sour cherry, or you can add spices like cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.

- Share: These pastries are perfect for gifting during the holidays or for serving at parties. They store very well in airtight containers, so you can enjoy them even later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of fat instead of lard? Yes, you can use butter, but the result will have a slightly different taste. Butter offers a creamy flavor, while lard will give a crumbly texture.

2. How can I tell if the meringue is whipped enough? The meringue is ready when you can turn the bowl upside down without it falling out. It should be shiny and hold a firm shape.

3. What drinks pair well with these pastries? These delights pair perfectly with a fragrant tea or a hot coffee. Additionally, a sweet wine could complement their rich flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

These pastries are a good source of energy due to the walnuts, which contain healthy fats, proteins, and fiber. The plum jam adds essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium. Moreover, it is a relatively light dessert, perfect for satisfying a sweet craving without being excessively caloric, especially if you control your portions.

Perhaps these pastries are a simple dessert, but they tell a story of tradition, sharing, and joy. By cooking these treats, you not only enrich your table but also create unforgettable moments with loved ones. So, put on your apron and get ready to brighten your home with the aroma of these delicious mini pastries with plum jam and walnuts!

 Ingredients: Dough: 4 egg yolks, 400 g flour, 150 g lard, 4 tablespoons sour cream (approximately 100 g), 1 baking powder. Filling: 470 ml plum jam or any other jam you like, 4 egg whites, 250 g sugar, 200 g ground walnuts.

 Tags:  baskets with plum jam and nuts baskets sweetness plum nut nut desserts goodies for carolers