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Minciunele – The Crispy Delight, Perfect for Summer Days

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Minciunele are a traditional dessert that is easy to prepare, bringing a touch of joy and nostalgia in every bite. These crispy delights have a slightly airy texture and a sweet taste, perfect for serving on warm summer days. Whether you choose to enjoy them with a cup of coffee or offer them as a snack to friends, minciunele are always an inspired choice.

Ingredients:

- 2 ¾ cups of flour
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 5 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of cognac
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla essence or vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- ½ cup of vanilla sugar (or sugar syrup)
- 50 g of sesame
- Oil for frying (approximately 1 liter, for a 5 cm deep bath)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the egg yolks and sugar. Use a whisk to beat them well until the mixture becomes creamy and pale yellow. Add the sour cream, cognac, vanilla essence, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until evenly combined.

2. Incorporating the flour: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing continuously. The goal is to achieve a dough that is not sticky. You may need to adjust the amount of flour based on the moisture in your ingredients. The final dough should be soft but firm.

3. Dividing the dough: Once the dough is homogeneous, cut it into two equal parts. Cover one part with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.

4. Rolling out the dough: On a floured work surface, roll out the first piece of dough into a very thin, almost transparent sheet. Use a well-floured rolling pin to achieve the desired thickness. This step may require a little patience, but the result will be worth the effort.

5. Cutting and shaping: Using a knife or a pastry cutter, divide the sheet of dough into long strips, then cut each strip into diamonds. In each diamond, make a small cut in the middle and pass one corner through that cut, forming small spirals or roses, as preferred.

6. Frying: In a deep skillet, add the oil and heat it until it starts to bubble. Ensure that the oil is hot enough to fry the minciunele, but not so hot that they burn. Add 3-4 minciunele at a time, leaving enough space between them to turn easily. Let them fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy.

7. Draining: Once fried, remove the minciunele onto a plate covered with paper towels to eliminate excess oil.

8. Finishing: Sprinkle vanilla sugar on top or, for an extra sweetness, you can prepare a simple sugar syrup. Boil equal parts of water and sugar until it thickens slightly, adding a few drops of lemon juice to prevent crystallization. Roll the minciunele in syrup and sprinkle toasted sesame on top.

Useful tips:

- Oil: Make sure the oil is deep enough to allow the minciunele to float freely. A 5 cm oil bath is ideal.
- Temperature control: If the oil is not hot enough, the minciunele will absorb too much oil, and if it is too hot, they will burn quickly. A cooking thermometer can be very helpful.
- Sweeter version: If you like sweeter desserts, feel free to add more sugar to the dough or use a thicker sugar syrup.
- Serving: Minciunele are delicious both warm and cold. I recommend serving them with a refreshing drink, such as fresh lemonade or mint tea.

Nutritional benefits: These minciunele, although a sweet dessert, can be part of a balanced diet if consumed in moderation. The regular flour used in the recipe provides essential carbohydrates, and the eggs are a source of quality protein.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the final texture will be different, and the minciunele will be denser.

2. Can I prepare them without cognac?
Sure! Cognac adds a subtle flavor, but you can omit it or replace it with rum essence.

3. How can I store minciunele?
It is best to consume them fresh, but you can keep them in an airtight container for a few days.

4. What other toppings can I use?
You can experiment with ground nuts, cinnamon, or melted chocolate for an extra flavor boost.

Minciunele are a simple yet charming recipe that can turn any ordinary day into a celebration. Try this recipe and enjoy the unmistakable taste of childhood with your loved ones!