Lard cookies

Lard Cookies: A Delicious and Traditional Recipe

Who doesn't love a crispy, flavorful dessert that brings back warm memories spent with family? Lard cookies are a classic delight, perfect for any occasion, whether it's a festive meal or a relaxing afternoon with loved ones. These cookies are not only tasty but also easy to make. Moreover, using lard gives them a unique taste and texture that cannot be replicated with other ingredients.

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Number of servings: 30 cookies

Necessary ingredients:
- 800 g lard
- 2 kg flour
- 2 eggs
- 40 g vanilla sugar
- 300 ml sparkling water
- 10 g baking powder
- 50 g yeast
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- ½ kg jam (preferably apricot or plum)
- 200 g powdered sugar (for decoration)

Recipe history:
Lard cookies have a rich history and are often associated with holidays and festive meals. They were made in the kitchens of homemakers who wanted a hearty and filling dessert that didn’t take too long to prepare. Lard, a traditional ingredient, is the result of processing animal fats, and its use in pastry was common in the past, providing dishes with a rich texture and distinct flavor.

Step by Step for Lard Cookies:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the lard is at room temperature for easier handling. If you don’t have lard, you can use butter, but the taste will be different.

2. Sifting the flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour with the vanilla sugar. This step is important as it helps aerate the flour and prevents lumps in the dough.

3. Preparing the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour and add the eggs, sparkling water, yeast, and baking powder mixed with vinegar. Using sparkling water will make the cookies fluffier, so don’t skip this ingredient.

4. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough well until it becomes smooth. This is the moment to pour in all your love, as it will determine the final texture of your cookies.

5. Preparing the lard: Pass the lard through a meat grinder and mix it with 1-2 tablespoons of flour. This will help in handling it in the dough. Divide the lard into four equal portions.

6. Rolling out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½ cm thick. Then, place a portion of lard on the surface of the dough.

7. Forming the layers: Wrap the dough around the lard as you would a package. This is the folding technique that will create delicious layers in your cookies. Chill the dough for 30 minutes. Do not leave the dough in the fridge for more than 30 minutes, as it will rise a lot even when cold.

8. Repeating the process: Repeat the operation three more times, until you exhaust all the lard. Each layer of lard added adds layers and texture to your cookies, so don’t skip this step.

9. Cutting the cookies: Then roll out the dough again and cut it into 5 cm squares. In the center of each square, place a piece of jam.

10. Forming the cookies: Bring the corners of the squares together diagonally, thus forming a kind of little package. This detail will give a nice appearance and will keep the jam inside during baking.

11. Baking: Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake them in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden.

12. Decorating: As soon as you take them out of the oven, roll them in powdered sugar. This detail will not only give them an attractive look but will also add a touch of sweetness.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of jam, such as raspberry or sour cherry, to achieve new flavors.
- If you want to add an extra flavor, you can also add a little vanilla extract or lemon zest to the dough.
- These cookies can be served with a cup of tea or coffee, but they are just as delicious and simple on their own.
- Lard cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Nutritional information: A serving of lard cookies (approximately 2 pieces) contains about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of jam used. These cookies provide a decent amount of carbohydrates and fats, but moderate consumption is essential, considering the sugar and fat content from the lard.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use butter instead of lard?
Yes, you can use butter, but the texture and taste will be different.

2. How can I keep the cookies fresh longer?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.

3. What type of jam is the best?
Apricot or plum jam is the most commonly used, but you can experiment with any type you prefer.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Lard cookies are a wonderful way to bring a touch of tradition into your kitchen, and the final result will envelop your home in delicious aromas. Enjoy!