Fluffy nests with blueberry jam

Fluffy Nests with Blueberry Jam

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12 fluffy nests

Who doesn't love a fluffy, flavorful cake filled with sweetness? Fluffy nests with blueberry jam are a perfect choice for a special breakfast, a delicious snack, or even a savory dessert. This recipe combines tradition with innovation, offering a moment of indulgence in every bite.

The history of these nests takes us back to childhood moments, when people gathered around the table, sharing stories and joys, while the smell of freshly baked dough filled the house. Each ingredient plays its part in creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 200 ml lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 50 g butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 75 g sugar
- 7 g dry yeast (or 20 g fresh yeast)
- ~500 g flour (type 650 or 000, for a fluffier texture)
- 1 pinch of salt
- Zest of one orange, candied or fresh, grated

*For the filling:*
- 300 g blueberry jam (or your preferred jam)

*For the syrup:*
- 50 ml milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon grated coconut
- Vanilla essence (to taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar and pour a little lukewarm milk over it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, orange zest, and the remaining sugar. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture. In another bowl, beat the egg with the remaining milk and melted butter. Pour this mixture over the activated yeast and start kneading the dough.

3. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and non-sticky. If necessary, you can add a few tablespoons of extra flour. A great option to save time is to use a bread machine to knead the dough.

4. Meanwhile, let the dough rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

5. Forming the nests: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a greased surface. Divide it into 12 equal portions and shape them into balls. Flatten each ball and add a tablespoon of blueberry jam in the center. Lift the edges of the dough, pinching them to form a pouch. Place the nests seam-side down in a greased baking tray (about 25/35 cm).

6. Second rising: Let the nests rise for another 20 minutes, covered with a towel.

7. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Beat an egg yolk with a little milk and brush the nests with this mixture for a golden, shiny crust.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the nests turn golden. Meanwhile, prepare the syrup: boil 50 ml of milk with the sugar, honey, and coconut. After the syrup has boiled, remove it from the heat and add the vanilla essence.

9. Finishing: Once the nests are baked, remove the tray from the oven and pour the hot syrup over them. Return the tray to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, until the syrup is well absorbed.

Serving and suggestions:
These fluffy nests are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them plain or with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess. Perfect for a festive breakfast, they pair well with aromatic coffee or fragrant tea.

Tips and variations:
If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace the blueberry jam with other flavors, such as raspberry or peach jam. You can also add some chopped nuts or almonds to the filling for a crunchy texture.

Nutritional information:
Each nest contains approximately 180 calories, offering a mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats from butter, and natural sweetness. These nests are a good source of energy and can be included in your daily diet in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use 20 g of fresh yeast instead of 7 g of dry yeast. Just make sure to activate it in the same way.

2. How can I store the nests?
You can keep the nests in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a longer duration.

3. Can I freeze the nests?
Yes, the nests can be frozen. I recommend freezing them before baking, and when you want to serve them, let them thaw at room temperature and bake them according to the instructions.

I hope this recipe for fluffy nests with blueberry jam brings you joy and delicious moments in the kitchen. Cooking is an art form that brings people together, and these nests are a perfect way to share your love for food with your loved ones!