Spicy Squares

Spicy Crescents: A Spicy Delicacy for Unforgettable Moments

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour + 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 squares

Who doesn’t love a warm, crispy snack full of flavors? Spicy crescents are a perfect choice for any occasion, from parties with friends to cozy evenings spent at home. These delicious squares, enriched with cheese and smoked bacon, are sure to win over anyone who tries them.

The history of the crescent is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions where dough was used to bring various savory dishes to life. These squares represent a perfect combination of dough preparation techniques and quality ingredients, transforming them into versatile and tasty snacks.

Ingredients:

- 500 g wheat flour
- 200 g brie or gorgonzola (choose a cheese with white or blue mold, depending on your preference)
- 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast
- 150 g warm water
- 50 g butter (melted)
- 50 g lard
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 150 g smoked bacon (cut into cubes)
- salt (to taste)
- hot paprika (for an extra kick)
- thyme or rosemary (for flavor)
- 1 egg yolk + 2 tablespoons of milk (for a glossy finish)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the cheese you choose is at room temperature to incorporate easily into the dough. If using gorgonzola, its strong flavor will give a special character to your crescent.

2. Sautéing the onion and bacon: In a pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the smoked bacon and hot paprika, stirring for another 2-3 minutes. This step will release the flavors and add depth to the dish.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, dry yeast, salt, and the onion and bacon mixture. Add the warm water, melted butter, and lard. Knead the dough for a few minutes until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

4. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour. It will grow and become fluffy.

5. Preparing the baking sheet: Meanwhile, cut the parchment paper to fit your baking tray. Place the paper on the work surface for easier handling of the dough.

6. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has risen, transfer it to the parchment paper and roll it out with a rolling pin. You should achieve a sheet about 1-2 cm thick. Once you have rolled out the dough, place it in the prepared tray and cut it into small squares.

7. Second rising: Let the dough rise again in the tray for about 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy texture.

8. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Mix the egg yolk with the milk and brush each square with this mixture, giving them a golden and glossy finish when baked. Finally, sprinkle thyme or rosemary on top for added flavor.

9. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the crescents for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy. The delicious aroma that will fill the kitchen will be unforgettable!

10. Serving: After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. These crescents are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can pair them with a fresh green salad or a yogurt and dill sauce for a pleasant contrast.

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese. A combination of brie and cheddar adds an interesting note. You can also replace the bacon with pancetta or a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms.
- Storage: The crescents can be kept in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh to savor their crispy texture.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of crescents (about 2-3 squares) contains approximately 150-200 calories. They are a good source of protein and healthy fats, especially if you use low-fat cheeses.

Frequently asked questions:

- What can I use instead of dry yeast? You can use fresh yeast, being careful to adjust the quantity (about 20 g of fresh yeast for each packet of dry yeast).
- Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.

Spicy crescents are an excellent choice to bring a splash of flavor into your life. Whether you enjoy them alone or share them with loved ones, these delicious squares are guaranteed to lift your spirits and bring joy to every meal. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking!