Martyrs

Mucenici/Sfintișori with Cocoa Butter and Duck Eggs

These traditional delights, known as mucenici or sfinișori, are more than just a simple dessert; they are a symbol of celebrations, full of spiritual significance and joy. Over time, each family has created its own ritual and recipe, adding a touch of originality. Today, I will share a unique recipe with you, in which I have added cocoa butter and duck eggs to give them a special texture and taste.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 90 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes + 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 600 g white wheat flour
- 200 ml milk
- 2 duck eggs
- 1 teaspoon iodized salt
- 150 g cocoa butter
- 3 teaspoons dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Zest of one lemon (about 1 teaspoon)

For the syrup:
- 300 g honey
- 2 g cinnamon (about half a teaspoon)
- 400 ml milk

Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, dry yeast, sugar, and salt. These dry ingredients will help the dough rise and develop flavors. Then, in the center of the mixture, make a well where you will add the beaten duck eggs (which are richer in flavor and nutrients compared to chicken eggs), melted cocoa butter (which will provide a decadent flavor), and warm milk.

If you have a bread machine, like my Maricica, set it to the dough program and let it work its magic (about 90 minutes). This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy and aromatic dough.

Step 2: Forming the mucenici
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured work surface. Divide it into equal pieces and shape each piece into the figure eight. It is important to pay attention to this shaping, as the final appearance will add charm.

Step 3: Brushing and sprinkling
Place the formed eights on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat an egg yolk and brush each mucenic. This will give a beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle ground walnuts and granulated sugar on top to add a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.

Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the mucenici for 40 minutes. It is essential to keep an eye on them to avoid burning. A trick I use is to check their consistency after 30 minutes, and if they are already browned, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 5: Preparing the syrup
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat the milk with honey and cinnamon. Mix well to dissolve the honey. After the mucenici are baked, take them out of the oven and generously pour the hot syrup over each eight. This step will make the mucenici absorb the sweet flavors and become moist.

Step 6: Finalizing
Put the mucenici back in the oven for another 5 minutes on low heat to allow the syrup to be fully absorbed. When they are ready, let them cool slightly before serving.

Serving and suggestions
Mucenici can be served warm or at room temperature. A wonderful idea is to accompany them with a cup of warm milk or aromatic tea. These mucenici are not just a dessert, but an unforgettable experience, ideal to be enjoyed with family or friends.

Nutritional benefits
This mucenici recipe is rich in carbohydrates from flour and sugar, while duck eggs provide high-quality protein. Cocoa butter brings essential fatty acids and antioxidants, while honey adds a note of natural sweetness and antibacterial properties.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use chicken eggs instead of duck eggs?
Yes, but the taste and texture may be different. Duck eggs are richer and will provide a creamier result.

2. Can I replace cocoa butter?
If you don't have cocoa butter, you can use regular butter, but the flavor will be different. Cocoa butter gives a distinct, specific note.

3. How can I store the mucenici?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can gently reheat them in the oven before serving.

Possible variations
For a touch of diversity, experiment with different flavors in the syrup, such as vanilla or cardamom. You can also add dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, to the dough for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I invite you to put on your apron, get cooking, and enjoy this mucenici/sfinișori recipe. It is a delightful and satisfying experience, and the final result will reward your efforts. Happy cooking!