Fluffy croissants with plum jam

Fluffy Horns with Plum Jam

Welcome to the world of delicate fluffy horns, a dessert that brings joy and flavor in every bite! This recipe, inspired by Lilik, who in turn took it from Miha, is a testament to the cooking traditions that unite us and remind us of the moments spent with our loved ones. Whether enjoyed at breakfast with a glass of milk, as a snack alongside a cup of coffee, or as dessert after a family dinner, these fluffy horns are the perfect choice.

Total time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 16 horns

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 550-600 g flour
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 80 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons lard (or butter if you prefer)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet of fresh yeast (25 g)
- Zest of 2 oranges

For the filling:
- Plum jam (enough to fill the horns)

For brushing:
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk

Let’s begin the culinary adventure!

1. Preparing the starter: In a small pot, heat 100 ml of milk, one tablespoon of sugar, and the zest of the two oranges. Stir gently and let it heat, but do not boil. When the milk is warm (about 37°C), add the crumbled yeast. Cover the pot and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to give the horns their desired fluffiness.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the remaining milk (100 ml) along with 2 tablespoons of lard and 80 g of sugar. Gently heat the mixture until the lard melts. Once the mixture is homogeneous and slightly warm, add the previously prepared starter and the 2 eggs. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

3. Adding the flour: In another bowl, mix the flour with the salt. Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, stirring constantly until you obtain a manageable and non-sticky dough. It is important not to add all the flour at once - it is better to add it gradually to avoid getting a dough that is too hard.

4. Kneading the dough: On a clean surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes or until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

5. Shaping the horns: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Take the first part and roll it out with a rolling pin into a round sheet, about 0.5 cm thick. Cut the sheet into 8 triangles. On the wide base of each triangle, place a teaspoon of plum jam, then roll the triangle starting from the wide base, forming the horn. Repeat with the other part of the dough.

6. Rising the horns: Place the horns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for another 20-25 minutes.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Beat the egg with the 2 tablespoons of milk and brush the horns with this mixture to give them a beautiful golden color when baked. Bake the horns for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and fluffy.

8. Cooling and serving: After taking them out of the oven, cover the horns with a clean towel to keep them warm and fluffy. Let them cool slightly before enjoying.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the milk used is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- If you don’t have lard, you can use butter, but lard gives a specific texture and unique flavor.
- The plum jam can be replaced with apricot or raspberry jam, depending on your preferences.

Variations: You can also add ground nuts or cinnamon to the filling for a more complex taste. Additionally, these horns can be filled with chocolate or sweet cheese for a savory option.

Nutritional benefits: These horns are rich in carbohydrates, providing energy, and also contain protein from the eggs. The plum jam adds a touch of antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I make the dough a day in advance? Yes, you can leave the dough in the fridge after the first rise. The next day, let it come to room temperature before continuing with shaping the horns.
- How can I store the horns? The horns can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.

These fluffy horns with plum jam are not just a culinary delight but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of joy into your life and that of your loved ones. Enjoy!