Nut and jam pastries for Lent

Walnut and Jam Crescent Rolls

These walnut and jam crescent rolls are a true delicacy, perfect for enjoying on fasting days or any other day when we feel the need to indulge in a tasty dessert. Although they may not be the most visually appealing, they compensate with their intense and aromatic flavor. With a fluffy texture and a delicious filling, these crescent rolls are an excellent choice for any occasion. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 20 crescent rolls

Ingredients
- 1 kg high-quality flour
- 200 g sugar
- 20 g fresh yeast (one cube)
- Zest of one orange
- 1 lemon essence
- 1 rum essence
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons of margarine
- Oil for kneading (a little) and 1 teaspoon for activating the yeast
- Warm water (approximately 400 ml, depending on need)
- One jar of 400 g plum jam
- 250 g ground walnuts (or more, to taste)
- Powdered sugar for decoration
- Honey (optional)

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough
Start by preparing the dough, the base of these crescent rolls. Place the flour in a large bowl that allows you to knead comfortably. Add the sugar, vanilla sugar, orange zest, and lemon essence. These will give a pleasant and fresh aroma to the dough.

Tip: Use type 000 flour or pastry flour, as this will yield a finer and less dense dough.

2. Activating the yeast
In a small plate, crumble the yeast and mix it with a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of oil. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms. This is proof that the yeast is active and ready to be used.

3. Kneading the dough
Add the yeast mixture to the bowl with flour, then gradually add warm water, starting to knead the dough. The dough should have a firm consistency, similar to pie dough. If you feel it is too soft, add a little more flour.

Tip: Knead the dough for 10 minutes to develop the gluten, which will make the crescent rolls fluffier.

4. Letting it rise
After kneading the dough well, grease it with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

5. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the rum essence and plum jam. If the filling is too soft, add a little more ground walnuts for a firmer consistency.

6. Shaping the crescent rolls
Once the dough has risen, divide it into small pieces (about 50 g each). Roll each piece with a rolling pin on a floured surface. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each shape and roll the dough, forming a crescent.

Personal note: If you want more elegant-looking crescent rolls, you can slightly bend the ends to achieve a more distinct shape.

7. Baking the crescent rolls
Place the crescent rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the crescent rolls for 15 minutes. After this time, remove them from the oven, brush them with caramelized sugar (which you prepare by caramelizing 2 tablespoons of sugar and mixing it with water), and return them to the oven for another 15 minutes until golden.

8. Finishing touches
When the crescent rolls are ready, remove them from the oven and prepare a mixture of water, oil, and honey. Brush the crescent rolls with this mixture to give them an appetizing shine. Finally, dust them with powdered sugar for a special appearance.

Serving
These walnut and jam crescent rolls are delicious both warm and at room temperature. Share them with loved ones over a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional benefits
These crescent rolls are rich in walnuts, which provide healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. The plum jam adds natural sweetness and vitamins. Additionally, the recipe is dairy-free, making them suitable for vegans and those on a fasting diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of jam? Absolutely! You can experiment with apricot, raspberry, or even rose petal jam for a different flavor.
- How can I store the crescent rolls? Keep the crescent rolls in an airtight container at room temperature to avoid drying out.
- Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough and freeze it. Make sure to let it thaw and rise before shaping the crescent rolls.

Variations
If you want a healthier version, try replacing some of the flour with whole wheat flour. You can also add raisins or dark chocolate to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.

These walnut and jam crescent rolls are an inspired choice for learning to prepare a delicious dessert that brings people together. Don’t hesitate to experiment and add your personal touch! Enjoy!