Corn with jam and nuts
Croissants with jam and walnuts: a family recipe full of warmth and nostalgia
Who doesn't love the warm flavors that transport us back in time, to cherished memories and moments spent with loved ones? Croissants with jam and walnuts are a true culinary treasure, learned from my grandmother on my mother's side, who hailed from the heart of Transylvania. Although my grandmother called them 'croissants', they are baked in loaf pans, boasting a fluffy and tender texture that melts in your mouth. Let's discover together how to prepare them!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 2 croissants (sufficient for 8-10 people)
Ingredients:
- 600 g pastry flour or bread flour
- 300 g butter, cut into cubes and brought to room temperature
- 4 egg yolks
- 200-250 ml warm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 120 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
- 180 g ground walnuts mixed with 150 g sugar
- 400 g plum jam or any firmer jam
Dough preparation: Step by step
1. Activating the yeast: The first essential step is to ensure our yeast is active. In a small bowl, mix 25 g of fresh yeast with 200 ml of warm milk. Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface. This is the sign that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic in our dough.
2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add 600 g of flour, 120 g of sugar, and 300 g of soft butter. Using your fingers, mix the ingredients until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes crumbly. This is an important step to achieve a fluffy texture.
3. Adding wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the 4 egg yolks, the tablespoon of vanilla, and the milk with yeast. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding the rest of the milk if necessary. The final dough should be soft but easy to knead. Here, a trick is not to add too much flour, as we want the dough to remain tender.
4. Rising: Once the dough is well kneaded, cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial to achieving fluffy and delicious croissants.
5. Preparing the baking pans: While the dough rises, we take care of the baking pans. Grease two loaf pans with butter or line them with parchment paper to prevent the croissants from sticking.
6. Dividing the dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Take one piece of dough and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a rectangle.
7. Filling the croissants: On the rolled-out dough, spread half of the plum jam (or any firmer jam you prefer) and half of the walnut and sugar mixture. It is important to leave a margin of about 1 cm on all sides to roll the dough without spilling the filling.
8. Rolling the croissants: Roll the dough tightly, starting from one end, forming a tube. Then, gently tuck the ends to seal the filling. Place the resulting croissant in the prepared loaf pan and repeat the process with the second piece of dough.
9. Brush and bake: Beat an egg white and brush the croissants with it for a golden and shiny color. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and bake the croissants for 25 minutes or until they are nicely browned and risen.
10. Cooling: Once baked, let the croissants cool slightly in the pans, then carefully remove them as they are fragile. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Serving and variations
Croissants with jam and walnuts are delicious served warm, but they become even more delightful after cooling. They can be dusted with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant look and added sweetness. These croissants are perfect alongside a cup of aromatic tea or coffee, turning them into an ideal treat for a relaxing afternoon.
If you want to experiment, try replacing the plum jam with peach or apricot jam, or even add chocolate pieces between the layers of filling for a decadent taste. Also, for a vegan version, butter can be replaced with vegetable margarine and milk with plant-based milk.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast, but remember to activate it according to the instructions on the package.
2. How can I tell if the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it doubles in volume and feels light and fluffy to the touch.
3. What can I do with leftover dough?
If you have leftover dough, you can turn it into mini croissants or cookies by adding different fillings.
Nutritional benefits
Croissants with jam and walnuts are not only a delight for the taste buds but also offer nutritional benefits. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, while plum jam provides vitamins and minerals. However, moderation is essential due to the sugar and fat content.
In conclusion, croissants with jam and walnuts are a simple and traditional recipe that brings joy to every home. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these croissants will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your apron and let's cook together this wonderful family recipe!
Ingredients: 600 g pastry flour or for sweet bread, 300 g butter cut into cubes, softened, 4 egg yolks, 250 ml warm milk, 25 g yeast, 120 g sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla, 180 g ground walnuts mixed with 150 g sugar, 400 g plum jam or any thicker jam.
