Snails with honey, pears, and nuts

Honey, Pear and Walnut Snails - A Sweet and Aromatic Indulgence

If you're looking for a quick, simple, and flavorful dessert recipe, honey, pear, and walnut snails are the perfect choice! This sweet treat combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the aromatic filling of pears and walnuts, offering a taste that will take you on an unforgettable journey of flavors. Plus, it’s a recipe that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Let’s discover together how to prepare these delicious goodies!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 14 snails

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 300 g all-purpose flour (choose a good quality flour for the best results)
- 175 g yogurt (Greek yogurt is ideal for a creamier texture)
- 40 g butter (melted, for a rich flavor)
- 3 tablespoons milk (can also be plant-based milk, if preferred)
- 1 packet dry yeast (approximately 7 g)
- 35 g sugar (you can adjust the amount based on how sweet you want it)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

For the filling:
- 3 tablespoons honey (choose a quality honey with an intense flavor)
- 3 large tablespoons pear jam or puree (if you don’t have jam, you can use fresh pears, blended)
- ½ cup walnuts (any type of walnuts will work, but Romanian walnuts have a special taste)
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the snails before baking)

Preparation

1. Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, add the flour, dry yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well. In another bowl, combine the yogurt, melted butter, and milk. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

2. Let the dough rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee!

3. Prepare the filling:
In a small bowl, mix the honey with the pear jam and finely chopped walnuts. Make sure the filling is well combined and aromatic.

4. Form the snails:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 0.5 cm thick. Spread the filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough.

5. Roll the dough:
Start rolling the dough from one corner, forming a tight log. Make sure the filling stays inside to prevent it from leaking during baking. Cut the log into slices about 3 cm thick.

6. Prepare for baking:
Place the snails on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg with a tablespoon of milk and brush each snail with this mixture for a golden and shiny crust.

7. Bake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the snails for about 20 minutes, or until they become golden and fluffy. You will be delighted by the aroma that will spread throughout the house!

8. Serve:
Once the snails have cooled slightly, you can serve them warm or at room temperature. You can sprinkle them with a little powdered sugar for an elegant look or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Practical Tips

- Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps activate the yeast and achieve perfectly risen dough.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate, raisins, or even other dried fruits. You can also replace walnuts with hazelnuts or pistachios for an original touch.
- Storage: These snails can be stored well in an airtight container for 2-3 days. If there are any leftovers, you can gently reheat them in the oven before serving.

Nutritional Benefits

These snails are a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats from walnuts. Honey adds a boost of antioxidants, and pears are rich in fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Plus, this dessert is much healthier than alternatives filled with refined sugar and additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can try whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.
- How can I make the snails less sweet? Try reducing the amount of honey and jam, replacing part with less sweet ingredients like yogurt.
- Can they be frozen? Yes, the snails can be easily frozen. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and place them in the freezer. When you want to serve them, you can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

These delicious treats pair perfectly with a cup of aromatic tea or a creamy cappuccino. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce will turn this dessert into a true delight!

Prepare your ingredients and enjoy the cooking process! These honey, pear, and walnut snails are not just a recipe, but an experience filled with warmth and delicious flavors. I invite you to share this recipe with your loved ones and create unforgettable moments together!