Growth spurts

Delicious Jam and Walnut Pastries Recipe

Preparation: 30 minutes
Baking: 20 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 12

If you are looking for a quick yet amazing dessert, the jam and walnut pastries recipe is the perfect choice! These delicious fluffy doughnuts, filled with plum jam and sprinkled with ground walnuts, are perfect for serving at breakfast or as a sweet snack during the day.

Ingredients:

- 500 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 250 g margarine (or butter)
- 150 ml lukewarm milk
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 1 tablespoon plum jam (or your favorite jam)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- Rum essence (optional)
- Ground walnuts for decoration

Step 1: Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar in the lukewarm milk. Make sure the milk is not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for achieving fluffy and airy pastries.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, cocoa, and diced margarine. Use your fingers to incorporate the margarine into the flour until the mixture resembles wet sand. Add the egg yolk and the activated yeast, mixing well. If you want an extra flavor, you can add a few drops of rum essence.

Step 3: Mixing and kneading
Add the remaining egg and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. Form a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

Step 4: Shaping the pastries
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a well-floured surface to a thickness of about 1 cm. Cut circles with a glass or a cookie cutter. Place a teaspoon of plum jam in the center of each circle, then fold the dough and form small balls. Make sure the edges are well sealed so they don't open during baking.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Optionally, you can brush them with a beaten egg for a golden color. Bake for 20 minutes or until they are golden and fluffy.

Step 6: Finishing and serving
After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly. Sprinkle ground walnuts on top for added texture and flavor. Served warm, these jam and walnut pastries are a true delight!

Variation suggestions: You can experiment with different types of jam, such as apricot or blackberry jam, or you can add melted chocolate to the mixture for a decadent taste. These pastries are versatile and can be customized to your preferences!

Enjoy this simple and delicious pastry recipe – a dessert that will surely impress family and friends!