These old-style cookies (sugar cookies)

Sugar Hearts - The Fried Delight That Will Fill Your Heart with Joy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

These sugar hearts, also known as 'buuelos', are a delicious and fragrant dessert, full of story and tradition. Their origins date back to ancient times when people found ingenious ways to transform simple ingredients into delights that enhanced the atmosphere of any meal. These uniquely shaped pastries are perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones and are ideal for any occasion, whether you are celebrating a birthday or simply want to indulge in a special dessert.

Necessary ingredients:

- 800 g flour
- 9 eggs
- 400 ml milk
- 125 g sugar
- 200 ml liquid cream
- Oil for frying (approximately 1 liter)
- Powdered sugar for decoration
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar (or a teaspoon of vanilla essence)
- A pinch of salt

These simple ingredients combine to create a dessert that will delight your taste buds. Be sure to use fresh ingredients for the best results. For example, fresh eggs will give a better taste and a more pleasant texture to the mixture.

Step by step for sugar hearts:

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential as it helps aerate the flour and prevents lumps from forming in the dough.

2. Preparing the mixture: Gradually add the milk to the flour, continuously mixing with a whisk or spatula. It is important to incorporate the milk gently to avoid lumps. You want to achieve a thicker mixture than for pancakes.

3. Enriching the dough: In another bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar and vanilla sugar. Then, add this mixture to the milk and flour mixture, along with the liquid cream. Mix well until you achieve a smooth paste.

4. Checking the consistency: The mixture should be thick but fluid. If it seems too thick, you can add a little milk to thin it out.

5. Preparing the oil for frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil. Make sure it is hot enough (around 170-180°C) to achieve even and crispy frying.

6. Shaping the hearts: Use a special frying mold (you can use a metal heart-shaped mold or any other desired shape). Heat the mold in the hot oil, then dip it into the mixture, ensuring it is well coated.

7. Frying: Place the mold in the hot oil. Fry the hearts until they turn golden, then turn them to brown evenly on both sides. They will have a crispy texture on the outside and soft on the inside.

8. Decorating: Once the hearts are fried, carefully remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Dust them generously with powdered sugar to give them an attractive appearance and a sweet taste.

9. Serving: These hearts are delicious warm, but can also be served at room temperature. You can add a portion of fruit jam or vanilla ice cream alongside them for a perfect contrast of flavors.

Useful tips:

- Variations: If you want to experiment, you can add grated lemon or orange zest to the mixture for an extra flavor boost. You can also replace some of the flour with almond flour for a unique taste.

- Storage: These hearts are best consumed fresh. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, you can use almond, soy, or coconut milk, but the taste will be slightly different.
- What type of oil is recommended for frying? Oils with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil or peanut oil, are ideal for frying.

Nutritional benefits: These sugar hearts are a good source of carbohydrates due to the flour, providing quick energy. The eggs add quality protein, and the liquid cream brings necessary fats to the body. However, moderate consumption is recommended due to the sugar and oil content.

Pairing with drinks: These pastries go wonderfully with a warm herbal tea or a creamy cappuccino. Additionally, a sweet wine or fresh lemonade can perfectly complement the culinary experience.

So, dear cooking enthusiasts, don’t hesitate to try this recipe for sugar hearts! It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of sweetness and joy into your life. Whether you enjoy them alone or share them with loved ones, these pastries will surely become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!