Cescute with cream and cherries

Cream and Cherry Cescutes - An Unforgettable Delight

In a world full of artificial ingredients and fast food, cream and cherry cescutes revive the tradition of lovingly and patiently prepared sweets. This elegant yet simple dessert will bring a smile to your face and turn any occasion into a special moment. Cescutes are perfect for serving at a party, a family gathering, or simply as a weekend treat. Let's begin the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12 cescutes

Ingredients

For the cescute dough:
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg (preferably large)
- Seeds from 1 vanilla bean
- Zest of 1 lemon (make sure it is well washed)
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 250 g flour 00 (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 70 g butter (melted)

For the chantilly pastry cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 130 g sugar
- 1 vanilla bean
- 70 g cornstarch
- 400 ml whipped cream
- 70 g powdered sugar
- Fresh cherries (about 200 g)

Preparation procedure

Step 1: Preparing the cescute dough
1. Start by gathering all the ingredients in a large bowl. Sifting the flour is essential for a fine texture, so don’t skip this step.
2. Add the powdered sugar and egg to the bowl and beat them together until the mixture becomes frothy and homogeneous. The vanilla seeds add a deep flavor, so make sure to use them instead of artificial essences.
3. The next step is to add the lemon zest and milk, mixing gently to incorporate all the ingredients.
4. In another bowl, combine the sifted flour with the baking powder, then gradually incorporate them into the wet mixture. You will achieve a crumbly composition.
5. Finally, add the melted butter and knead gently until you obtain a soft dough ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Baking the cescutes
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare the cescute molds, greased with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Take the dough out of the fridge and pinch small pieces that you roll out between two sheets of plastic wrap to avoid adding extra flour.
3. Place a sheet of dough in each mold, pricking holes with a fork at the bottom to prevent puffing during baking.
4. Bake the cescutes for 20 minutes or until they turn slightly golden. Remove them immediately from the molds to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Preparing the pastry cream
1. In a saucepan, heat the milk (without boiling) together with the empty vanilla bean. Let it infuse for 10 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar and the vanilla seeds, then add the sifted cornstarch.
3. Gradually add the warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Put the mixture back on the heat and cook until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
4. Once the cream has thickened, let it cool covered with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

Step 4: Assembling the cescutes
1. Whip the cream with powdered sugar until firm, then gently fold it into the cooled pastry cream.
2. Use a piping bag to fill the cescutes with the obtained cream.
3. Decorate with fresh cherries, ensuring they are well washed and pitted. The cherries add an ideal contrast of acidity and sweetness.

Useful tips
- Cherries are best when fresh and firm; make sure to choose the best ones for a perfect result.
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries, strawberries, or peaches, depending on your preferences.
- If you want a more exotic taste, you can replace the milk with orange or pineapple juice, but be careful to adjust the sugar amounts as the juices are sweeter.
- When preparing the pastry cream, it is important to stir constantly to avoid lumps. This is an essential technique in pastry.

Nutritional benefits
These cescutes are not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. Milk and eggs provide protein, while cherries are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins. When consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet.

Customized version
For a touch of originality, you can add a few drops of cherry liqueur to the pastry cream or sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on top of the cescutes before baking to give them a crunchy crust.

In conclusion, these cream and cherry cescutes are an excellent choice for those who want to impress with a refined and tasty dessert. Whether you serve them on a special occasion or indulge in them over the weekend, these treats will bring joy with every bite. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and tell them about your culinary experience! Enjoy!