Dessert - House cake, that is, a cake made with lard. by Alexandra D. - Recipia
Haios de Casa Cake: A Delicacy with Lard

Who doesn't love a cake that brings a smile to their face? Haios de Casa is a famous recipe with a charming story that combines culinary tradition and innovation. This cake with lard, featuring a delicate crust and sweet filling, is sure to become a favorite among your loved ones. Even though it has a reputation for being 'tricky', don't be afraid! With a little patience and some tricks, you'll manage to prepare it perfectly.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 24 pieces

Ingredients for the dough:
- 650 g flour
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 150-180 ml sparkling water (or as needed to achieve an elastic dough)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g cleaned lard
- 150 g flour
- Thick jam or preserve (of your choice)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the lard: Start by passing the lard through a meat grinder. Mix the minced lard well with 150 g of the reserved flour. This mixture will add a rich flavor and pleasant texture to the cake. Set it aside at room temperature to combine well.

2. Preparing the dough: On a work surface, measure 650 g of flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the whole egg, egg yolks, sour cream, and vinegar. Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until everything is well incorporated.

3. Adding water: Gradually add the sparkling water, mixing continuously. Be careful not to add too much water at once; the goal is to achieve an elastic dough, but not too soft. Knead the dough for about 15-20 minutes until it becomes smooth and not sticky.

4. Folding the dough: Roll out the dough into a sheet about 1-2 mm thick. On two-thirds of the sheet, spread 1/3 of the lard and flour mixture. Now, take the top part of the dough and fold it over the filling. Then fold the bottom part, followed by the edges on the right and left. This folding technique is essential for achieving delicious layers.

5. Chilling the dough: Place the folded dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will help firm up the lard and make the dough easier to work with.

6. Repeat the process: After the dough has chilled, repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, adding the remaining lard each time. This way, you'll achieve a wonderful dough with fine layers.

7. Shaping the cakes: Once you finish folding, roll out the dough to a thickness of 3-4 mm. Use a hot knife to cut squares about 3 fingers wide. Add half a teaspoon of jam or preserve to each square. Gently fold each square to form a crescent shape and place them on a lined baking tray.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius (without ventilation) and bake the cakes for 10-15 minutes or until golden. The secret here is to watch them closely; every oven is different, and the cakes may be ready at different times.

9. Finishing: Once the cakes are baked, let them cool slightly on a rack. While they are still warm, dust them with powdered sugar. This detail will give them a wonderful appearance and a sweet taste.

Practical tips:
- Use high-quality lard for a rich flavor and good texture.
- If you don't have sparkling water, you can use still mineral water, but the effervescent effect of sparkling water helps achieve a lighter dough.
- You can try varying the filling with different types of jam or preserve, such as plum, apricot, or raspberry, to add a personal twist.

Nutrition: Each serving has approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the filling. Haios de Casa cake offers a mix of carbohydrates and fats, while the lard provides a healthy intake of fatty acids.

Delicious pairings: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of fresh milk. It can also be served alongside simple ice cream for a more sophisticated dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the lard with butter? Although the taste will be different, you can use room temperature butter, but the texture will be less crispy.
- What type of jam should I choose? Choose a thicker jam that won't run too much during baking to avoid moistening the dough.
- How do I store the cakes? You can keep the cakes in an airtight container for a few days, but they are best served fresh.

Haios de Casa is not just a cake; it is a memory of childhood, a family story, and a perfect opportunity to gather loved ones around the table. So, dress yourself with patience and joy, and let the magic of cooking envelop you!
Dessert - House cake, that is, a cake made with lard. by Alexandra D. - Recipia

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