cat eyes

Cat Eyes - The Aromatic Delight of Sweet Dough

Total preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Working time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15

Discover the magic of the Cat Eyes recipe, also known as "cat's eyes." This traditional dessert, with a tender dough and delicious filling, is perfect for bringing a touch of joy to every day. The origins of this dish are lost in the mists of time, but it has certainly been cooked with love in many homes, symbolizing conviviality and celebrations.

Ingredients for the dough:
- 250 g soft butter (ideally at room temperature)
- 500 g wheat flour
- 7 tablespoons warm milk
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 100 g sugar
- 4 egg yolks

Ingredients for the filling:
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 75 g sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 100 g raisins (you can use golden or black raisins, depending on your preference)
- Plum jam or your favorite (about 200 g)

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, add the yeast to the warm milk and let it sit for 10 minutes until a foam forms. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color.
3. Add the soft butter and mix well to fully incorporate it.
4. Gradually incorporate the flour, alternating with the milk with yeast, until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It is important not to over-knead the dough, but just to mix it until it becomes elastic.
5. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest for 30 minutes in a warm place.

Step 2: Shaping and filling the dough
1. Once the dough has risen, divide it into three equal parts. This will ensure that each sheet of dough will have uniform dimensions.
2. Roll out each part of the dough on a floured surface to a length that matches your baking tray.
3. Spread the left and right sides of each sheet with plum jam, leaving an area of about two fingers in the middle unspread.
4. Sprinkle raisins over the jam, making sure to distribute them evenly.

Step 3: Rolling the sheets
1. Roll each sheet of dough from the left and right towards the middle, forming a cylinder. Make sure to leave a gap of about one finger in the middle. This gap will be filled with the egg white mixture.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar until a firm foam forms. This step will add an airy texture to your filling.
3. Add the ground walnuts to the egg whites and gently mix to avoid losing air in the mixture.

Step 4: Filling and baking
1. Use the egg white and walnut mixture to fill the gaps formed in the middle of each rolled dough.
2. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
3. Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and fragrant. It is important not to open the oven in the first 15 minutes of baking to allow the rolls to rise evenly.

Step 5: Serving
1. Let the Cat Eyes cool slightly before slicing them. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a festive look.
2. These delicious cat eyes pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, but you can also try a glass of sweet wine for a special experience.

Tips and variations
- You can replace the plum jam with other types of jam, such as raspberry or strawberry, to add a personal touch.
- Lightly add cinnamon to the filling for a more aromatic flavor.
- If you like more intense flavors, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the egg white mixture.

Nutritional benefits
Cat Eyes are a source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats from nuts. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health. Therefore, you can enjoy this dessert with peace of mind!

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
- Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast instead of 20 g of fresh yeast. Make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

2. Can I keep Cat Eyes for the next day?
- Yes, they keep well at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can wrap them in foil to prevent drying out.

3. How can I make this recipe vegan?
- You can replace the butter with vegan margarine and the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water (1 tablespoon of flaxseeds + 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg).

This Cat Eyes recipe is a wonderful way to bring tradition into your kitchen, and its sweet taste and tender texture will surely win the hearts of your family and friends. I wish you success and enjoyment in every bite! Bon appétit!