Snails with apple

Apple Snails Flavored with Star Anise - An Autumn Delicacy

Autumn is the ideal time to take advantage of the abundance of fresh apples, and the recipe for apple snails flavored with star anise is a perfect choice to bring a touch of magic into your kitchen. These fluffy and fragrant snails are like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or as a delicious dessert alongside a cup of tea, these snails are sure to quickly become your family's favorites.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 snails

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g wheat flour (preferably type 650, for a fine texture)
- 200 ml milk (warm, not hot)
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons oil (sunflower or olive oil, for a more intense flavor)
- 150 g sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples, such as Golden or Fuji)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing the apples)
- 50 g butter (for a rich and creamy taste)
- 4 whole star anise pieces or 1 ½ tablespoons ground star anise
- powdered sugar, to taste (optional, depending on the sweetness of the apples)

Preparation

1. Activating the yeast:
Start by warming the milk. Do not boil it, just heat it until it is warm. In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast together with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of flour in the warm milk. Mix well and let it rise in a warm place for 10 minutes until a foam forms.

2. Preparing the dough:
Sift the flour into a large bowl. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar using a fork, then add the oil and milk (don’t forget to use warm milk). Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture, eggs, and oil. Add a pinch of salt. Start kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and non-sticky, about 10 minutes.

3. Rising the dough:
Once the dough is well kneaded, shape it into a ball and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

4. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, prepare the apples. Peel and core them, then grate them. In a pan, add the oil, butter, and star anise. Sauté the mixture over medium heat, then add the grated apples. Stir for 5-7 minutes until the apples become soft. If they are tart, you can add a little powdered sugar to taste. Let the filling cool.

5. Forming the snails:
After the dough has risen, sprinkle some flour on the work surface and divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first half into a rectangular sheet. Spread half of the apple filling evenly over the surface of the dough. Carefully roll the dough to form a tight log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into rounds about the thickness of a finger. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Let the snails rise on the tray for another 15 minutes. Then, place the tray in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

7. Serving:
Once the snails have cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look. Serve them warm or at room temperature, alongside a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. Share them with loved ones and enjoy the moments spent together.

Tips and useful advice
- Optimizing the filling: If your apples are very juicy, make sure to squeeze them well before sautéing. You can add a few drops of lemon juice to prevent rapid oxidation.
- Filling variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple mixture, or even chopped nuts for added texture.
- Accompanying drinks: This dessert pairs perfectly with a sweet wine or apple cider, which complements the autumn flavors.

Nutritional benefits
Apples, the main ingredient in this recipe, are rich in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants, contributing to immune system health. The dough, on the other hand, provides carbohydrates that offer energy, but it's important to consume these treats in moderation, considering the sugar content. One apple snail has about 200 calories, depending on size and ingredients.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use canned apples? Yes, but make sure to drain them well before use to avoid altering the texture of the dough.
- How can I store the snails? You can keep the snails in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer.
- Can they be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the snails before baking them. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer, then transfer them to freezer bags. When you want to enjoy them, let them thaw and bake according to the instructions.

Enjoy the magic of autumn and the delicious flavors of apples with this recipe for apple snails flavored with star anise. It is a simple recipe but with a maximum impact, sure to bring smiles and pleasant nostalgia. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the dough: -500 g flour -200 ml milk -2 egg yolks -2 tablespoons oil -150 g sugar -25 g yeast -pinch of salt For the filling: -1 kg grated apples -1 tablespoon oil -50 g butter -4 whole star anise or 1+1/2 tablespoons ground star anise -sugar if needed to taste.

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