Cream horns filled with walnuts

Cream-filled crescent pastries with walnuts

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert, cream-filled crescent pastries with walnuts are the perfect choice! These little delights, with a soft texture and aromatic filling, are ideal for any occasion, from a simple snack to a festive meal. The origins of these pastries are lost in history, but one thing is certain: they have always been loved for their rich taste and irresistible aroma. Their preparation is simple, and the result is simply amazing.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 30 pastries

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 400 g sour cream (choose a high-fat sour cream for a richer result)
- 200 g lard or Rama margarine
- 650 g flour (you can use type 650 wheat flour)
- 2 egg yolks (for a richer texture)
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of baking powder

For the filling:
- 4 egg whites (make sure they are at room temperature for better whipping)
- 200 g ground walnuts (you can also use roasted walnuts for an intense flavor)
- 200 g sugar (preferably fine sugar for quick dissolving)
- A packet of vanilla sugar
- Rum essence (for an extra flavor)

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the lard or margarine and mix well with half of the flour. This step is essential for achieving a tender texture. You can use a mixer or a spatula to make the process easier.

2. Adding the ingredients: Continue by adding the sour cream, egg yolks, salt, and baking powder. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Then, gradually add the remaining flour. If the dough becomes too soft, feel free to add a little more flour. Conversely, if it's too hard, you can add a few drops of milk to adjust its consistency.

3. Cooling the dough: Once you have obtained a homogeneous dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. This step helps to firm up the lard, making the pastries more tender.

4. Preparing the filling: While the dough cools, you can prepare the filling. Whip the egg whites until foamy, gradually adding the sugar and vanilla sugar. Continue to whip until you achieve a firm foam. Incorporate the ground walnuts and rum essence, gently mixing so as not to affect the texture of the foam.

5. Shaping the pastries: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 3-4 mm thick. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut circles from the dough. Place a teaspoon of the walnut mixture on each cut circle.

6. Folding the pastries: Fold the circles of dough over the filling, gently pressing the edges with your fingers to seal them. Then, use the tines of a fork to press the edges even better, ensuring that the filling will not leak during baking.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they can become dry.

8. Finishing: After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar. This step will give them an attractive appearance and a perfect sweet taste.

Practical tips:
- You can add a little ground cinnamon to the filling to enhance the flavor.
- If you want to experiment, replace the walnuts with almonds, hazelnuts, or even chopped chocolate!
- These pastries store well in an airtight container but are most delicious in the first few days after preparation.

Nutritional benefits:
Cream-filled pastries with walnuts are a good source of healthy fats and proteins, thanks to the content of nuts and eggs. Walnuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, thus providing significant nutritional value. Additionally, sour cream adds a boost of calcium and essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of oil instead of lard?
Yes, you can use butter or margarine, but lard gives a more tender texture.

- How can I enhance the flavor of the pastries?
Add a little vanilla to the dough or use natural essences to give them a more complex taste.

These pastries are perfect to be served alongside a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee, making each bite an unforgettable experience. Try them yourself and let their unmistakable flavors take you away!