Plum jam croissants

Plum Jam Crescents: A Traditional Delicacy with Irresistible Flavors

Who doesn't love the warm and comforting aroma of freshly baked crescents? These little delights, filled with plum jam, are a true indulgence, perfect for celebrations or to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea on winter evenings. We invite you to discover our detailed recipe, complete with useful tips and variations, to achieve the most delicious crescents!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: Approximately 150 crescents

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g sour cream (choose a full-fat sour cream for a richer taste)
- 500 g lard or butter (lard gives a flakier texture, but butter is an excellent option for a sweeter taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda mixed with lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
- Grated zest of one lemon and one orange (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Flour as needed (approximately 1 kg, but adjust according to the dough's consistency)

For the filling:
- 500 g plum jam (check the consistency; if it's too thin, add 1-2 tablespoons of semolina or breadcrumbs)
- 5 tablespoons ground walnuts (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest

For decoration:
- 500 g powdered sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

Step 1: Preparing the filling
In a bowl, mix the plum jam with the ground walnuts, sugar, and grated lemon zest. The sweet taste of the jam, combined with the intense aroma of the lemon zest, will give the filling a unique character. If the mixture is too thin, add a little semolina or breadcrumbs to thicken it. Set the filling aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a deep bowl, combine the lard (or butter) with sour cream, salt, baking soda mixed with lemon juice, vanilla sugar, and the grated zest of lemon and orange. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or your hands until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Gradually add flour and knead until the dough becomes soft and easy to handle. It's important not to add too much flour to maintain the flaky texture of the crescents. Once you've made the dough, cover it with a towel and chill it for 30 minutes. This step helps solidify the lard and makes the dough easier to roll out.

Step 3: Shaping the crescents
After the dough has chilled, divide it into four equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each part into a thin sheet, about 3-4 mm thick. Using a knife or a pastry cutter, cut the sheet into squares of about 8-10 cm. Then, cut each square diagonally to form triangles.

On each triangle, place a teaspoon of the jam filling, being careful not to overfill to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. Roll the crescents from the base of the triangle to the tip, ensuring they maintain their shape. Place the crescents on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion.

Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the crescents for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden. It's important to watch them closely, as baking time may vary depending on the oven. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Step 5: Decorating
In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the vanilla sugar. While still warm, coat the crescents in the sugar mixture so they are well covered. Then, place them on a beautiful platter to cool completely.

Serving suggestions
These plum jam crescents are delicious served warm or at room temperature. They can be paired with a cup of green tea or aromatic coffee, which will highlight the sweetness of the jam. On chilly days, you can also add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.

Nutritional benefits
These crescents are rich in carbohydrates due to the flour and jam, providing a quick energy boost. The sour cream and lard contribute healthy fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Although delicious, it's best to enjoy them in moderation, especially due to their sugar and fat content.

Possible variations
You can try different fillings, such as apricot jam, blackberries, or even chocolate, to add a personal touch. You can also experiment with spices, adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a more exotic flavor.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use butter instead of lard?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. Lard provides a characteristic flakiness to the crescents.
- How can I keep the crescents fresh?
Store the crescents in an airtight container, preferably in a cool place. They can stay fresh for about a week.
- Can I freeze the crescents?
Yes, the crescents can be frozen. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer.

Now that you've learned all the secrets to making these plum jam crescents, all that's left is to prepare them and enjoy the delicious result! Cooking is an art, and these crescents are a true culinary masterpiece that deserves appreciation. Savor every bite!