Cubes with nuts and ginger
Delicious cubes with hazelnuts and ginger
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including chilling time in the fridge)
Number of servings: Approximately 24 cubes
In a world full of sophisticated desserts, hazelnut and ginger cubes manage to capture attention through their simplicity and distinctive flavor. These delights are perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea, at a party, or simply as a sweet treat during the day. The combination of hazelnuts with candied ginger brings a perfect balance between crunchy and spicy, while the lime or lemon glaze adds a fresh note.
The history of these delicious cubes intertwines with cooking traditions, where simple ingredients become honored guests at festive tables. Ginger, known for its beneficial properties, is used in both sweet and savory dishes, bringing a touch of warmth and exceptional flavor.
Basic ingredients:
100 g candied ginger (you can also use candied oranges or lemons for a different flavor)
140 g powdered sugar
175 g butter (very cold, cut into cubes)
250 g flour
70 g ground or finely crushed hazelnuts
1 small lime (or lemon)
1 pinch of salt
Step by step - Your guide to hazelnut and ginger cubes:
1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by finely chopping the candied ginger. Make sure it is of good quality to achieve an intense flavor. Set aside a tablespoon of chopped ginger for the final decoration of the cubes.
2. Mixing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the chopped ginger, 60 g of sugar, flour, cold butter, and ground hazelnuts. Use a mixer or spatula to combine the ingredients until a homogeneous dough forms. It is important that the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky texture.
3. Shaping and chilling the dough:
Roll out the resulting dough on a floured surface, forming a sheet about 1.5 cm thick. If you prefer, you can cut the dough into two pieces for easier transport. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 1 hour. This step is essential to allow the ingredients to settle and to achieve perfectly crunchy cubes.
4. Cutting the cubes:
Once the dough has cooled, take it out of the fridge and cut it into cubes of about 2 cm on each side. Make sure to use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Arrange the cubes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Bake on the second shelf from the bottom of the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the edges turn golden. At this stage, the delicious aroma will fill the entire kitchen.
6. Preparing the glaze:
After the cubes have cooled, prepare the glaze by mixing the remaining powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of lime or lemon juice. This will add a tart note that balances the sweetness of the dessert. Use a pastry brush to coat each cube with the delicious glaze.
7. Decorating:
Place a piece of candied ginger on each cube. This detail not only enhances the appearance but also adds an explosion of flavor.
8. Storing:
These hazelnut and ginger cubes keep very well for up to 6 weeks in sealed containers. The flavor of the ginger intensifies after about a week, making them even more delicious.
Practical tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- For a vegan version, replace the butter with margarine and use a natural sweetener instead of sugar.
- These cubes pair wonderfully with fruit tea or almond milk latte.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Yes, you can experiment with pecans or Brazil nuts for a different flavor.
- What should I do if I don't have candied ginger?
You can use finely chopped fresh ginger, but you will need to adjust the amount of sugar to compensate.
- How can I tell when the cubes are ready?
When the edges turn golden, the cubes are ready. Avoid leaving them in the oven too long to prevent them from becoming dry.
These hazelnut and ginger cubes are a wonderful choice for any occasion, whether you want to impress friends at a party or indulge in a tasty dessert at home. Enjoy every bite and savor the unmistakable aroma of ginger!
Ingredients: 100 g candied ginger - you can also use candied oranges or lemons 140 g powdered sugar 175 g very cold butter 250 g flour 70 g finely ground or crushed hazelnuts 1 small lime 1 pinch of salt
