Nuts with cocoa and vanilla cream

Delicacies for Carol Singers - Cocoa Nuts with Vanilla Cream

Every year, when winter makes its presence felt, the atmosphere becomes magical. Carols resonate throughout the house, and the sweet aroma of pastries fills the air. This recipe for cocoa nuts with vanilla cream is perfect for pampering carol singers, bringing a touch of joy to the hearts of loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Servings: 70 nuts

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 3 eggs
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 pinch of salt
- 250 g soft butter
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder (10 g)
- 40 g cocoa
- 580 g flour (or as needed)

*For the cream:*
- 3 egg yolks
- 230 g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 essence of vanilla
- 400 ml milk
- 100 g flour
- 100 g butter
- 100 g ground nuts

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by preparing the dough for the nuts. In a large bowl, add the eggs, essence of rum, a pinch of salt, soft butter, and sugar. Mix the ingredients well with a mixer or spatula until you get a homogeneous composition. It is important to use butter at room temperature to avoid lumps in the dough.

Then add the baking powder and cocoa, mixing again. Start incorporating the flour gradually until you obtain a non-sticky dough. You may need more or less flour depending on the humidity in the air.

Step 2: Preparing the nut molds
Grease the nut mold with butter to prevent sticking. For best results, lightly heat the mold over the stove flame before use. This will help the nuts bake evenly.

Form small balls from the dough of about 7-8 g and place them in each compartment of the mold. Bake the nuts on both sides until they become golden and slightly firm to the touch. This step is essential to ensure a crunchy texture.

After baking, use scissors to trim the excess dough from the baked nuts. This detail will ensure an elegant presentation and uniformity in appearance.

Step 3: Preparing the cream
For the cream, bring a pot of water to a boil. In a smaller pot, add the egg yolks, sugar, a pinch of salt, essence of vanilla, milk, and flour. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

Place the small pot over the steam bath and stir continuously. It is important not to let the cream boil, but to thicken gradually. When it becomes creamy, remove the pot from the heat and add the ground nuts, mixing well.

Step 4: Assembling the nuts
Fill each two nut molds with the delicious vanilla cream and stick them together. If desired, you can dust the nuts with sugar for an elegant and appetizing finish.

Serving suggestions and variations
These cocoa nuts with vanilla cream are ideal to be served alongside a warm tea or spiced mulled wine with cinnamon. You can experiment with the cream flavors by adding a little rum or a splash of almond essence for a distinct note.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform dough.
- If you want to enrich the cream, you can add a little cocoa to the cream for a contrast of flavors.
- The nuts can be stored in an airtight container for a few weeks, keeping their freshness.

Nutritional information
One nut contains approximately 40-50 calories, depending on its size and the ingredients used. These cocoa nuts with vanilla cream are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and essential nutrients, making them a better choice than many other sweets.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of nuts instead of ground nuts?
Yes, you can use ground almonds or hazelnuts for a different taste.

- How can I make these nuts without cocoa?
You can omit the cocoa from the dough and add more flavors, such as lemon or orange zest.

- How long can I keep these nuts?
If stored in an airtight container, they can last up to 2 weeks at room temperature.

These delicacies for carol singers are more than just a simple pastry; they are a tradition, a way to bring joy and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. By preparing them, you will enrich your home with the inviting scent of vanilla and cocoa, turning every moment into something special. Enjoy!