Peaches

Peach Recipe for Santa

Introduction
The holiday season is approaching, and culinary traditions are coming to life in every home. Peaches for Santa are a sweet and fragrant dessert that brings joy to both young and old. These little delights, resembling meringues, embrace the flavors of cocoa and rum, making them perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of hot chocolate or fruit tea. Here’s how to prepare them step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 peaches

Ingredients
For the peaches:
- 6 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 200 ml oil (sunflower or olive, according to preference)
- 600 g flour (approximately, depending on the desired consistency)
- 1 packet of baking powder (10 g)

For the filling cream:
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- The insides of the removed balls
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 essence of rum (or vanilla, if preferred)

For decoration:
- Milk (approximately 100 ml)
- Red and yellow food coloring
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Preparation method

1. Preparing the dough
Start by cracking the eggs into a large bowl. Add the sugar and vanilla sugar, then mix well until you obtain a homogeneous and fluffy mixture. This step is essential to incorporate the necessary air and achieve a light texture for the peaches.

2. Add the oil
Once the eggs and sugar are well mixed, gradually incorporate the oil while continuing to mix. The oil adds moisture and gives a rich flavor to your dessert.

3. Integrating the dry ingredients
Mix the 4 tablespoons of flour with the baking powder, then incorporate this mixture into the wet composition. Mix well until the ingredients are completely integrated. Then, start adding the remaining flour gradually, mixing continuously. You will obtain a sticky dough, but don't worry, this is normal.

4. Forming the balls
Dust your hands with a little flour to avoid sticking. Take small amounts of dough and form balls the size of small walnuts. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between them. Gently press each ball with your finger to flatten them slightly.

5. Baking
Preheat the oven to 160°C. Bake the peaches for about 10-15 minutes, or until they become slightly golden. It is important to ensure that you do not leave them in the oven too long, as we want a soft and fluffy texture.

6. Creating the filling
After the peaches have cooled, remove the insides from each ball using a toothpick or a small spoon. In a bowl, mix the butter with the powdered sugar until it becomes a fluffy cream. Add the crumbs from the insides of the balls, cocoa, and rum essence. Mix well until all ingredients are homogeneous and creamy.

7. Assembling the peaches
Fill each ball with the prepared cream, then join them in pairs. These little "peaches" will come to life and burst with flavor with every bite.

8. Decorating
In a small bowl, add the milk and a drop of red coloring. In another small bowl, mix the milk with the yellow coloring. Take each peach and first dip it in the red-colored milk, then in the yellow one. Finally, roll them in granulated sugar for a shiny appearance.

9. Cooling
Place the peaches on a platter and let them chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, so they firm up and the flavors meld together.

Useful tips
- Flour: Make sure to use quality flour to obtain a uniform dough. It is recommended to sift it to eliminate any lumps.
- Oil: You can experiment with different types of oil (olive, coconut) to obtain varied flavors.
- Natural colorants: If you prefer healthier options, you can use beet juice or turmeric to color the milk.

Variations and combinations
These peaches can be served alongside a cup of hot chocolate, hibiscus tea, or spiced mulled wine. Additionally, you can try variations by adding chopped nuts to the filling or using different flavors such as orange or almond.

Nutritional benefits
These peaches contain eggs, which are an excellent source of protein and nutrients. The butter brings healthy fats, and cocoa, besides its pleasant taste, is rich in antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I make them a few days before the holidays?
Yes, the peaches can be kept unfilled at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator.

2. How can I make the peaches less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, but make sure the filling is still tasty.

3. Can I use gluten-free ingredients?
Of course! You can replace wheat flour with almond flour or a combination of rice flour and starch.

These peaches for Santa are not just a dessert, but also a way to bring joy and magic into every home. Prepare them with love and share them with loved ones, turning every bite into an unforgettable memory!