Surprise basket

Surprise Box – A Delight in the Form of a Basket

The Surprise Box is a dessert that combines tradition with culinary creativity. This sweet basket, filled with a combination of crunchy nuts and tangy jam, is perfect for adding a touch of refinement and joy to any meal. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge yourself, this recipe will surely impress.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 baskets

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 4 tablespoons of lard
- 100 g butter (about 1/2 package)
- 4 tablespoons of sour cream
- 4 egg yolks
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Flour (about 400 g, as needed)

For the filling:
- 4 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g ground nuts
- 1 essence of rum

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. It is important to have the oven well heated to achieve crunchy baskets.

2. Prepare the ingredients: Take the lard and butter out of the fridge to let them come to room temperature. This will help them mix more easily.

3. Mix the lard and butter: In a large bowl, combine the lard and butter. Use a spatula or mixer to mix them until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

4. Add the sour cream and egg yolks: Incorporate the sour cream and egg yolks, mixing well until smooth.

5. Incorporate the lemon zest: Add the grated lemon zest for an extra flavor. This will give a fresh taste to the dessert.

6. Add the baking powder: Sprinkle in the baking powder and mix well.

7. Add the flour: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing continuously until you get a soft but not sticky dough. It is important not to add too much flour to avoid drying out the dough.

2. Forming the Baskets

1. Shape the balls: With hands greased with a little oil or flour, shape balls from the dough the size of a walnut.

2. Place the balls in the molds: Arrange the balls in the basket molds. Make sure the dough covers the walls of the mold well, so that you get an even basket.

3. Preparing the Filling

1. Beat the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get a firm foam. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy filling.

2. Add the sugar: While continuing to mix, gradually add the sugar until you obtain a shiny meringue.

3. Incorporate the nuts and rum essence: Use a spatula to add the ground nuts and rum essence, mixing gently to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

4. Assembling and Baking

1. Fill the baskets: Using a spoon, add a teaspoon of tangy jam (for example, sour cherry or raspberry) into each basket. Then, pour the nut meringue filling on top.

2. Bake: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the filling is golden and the baskets are well baked.

3. Cooling: Once done, let the baskets cool in the molds for a few minutes, then carefully remove them and place them on a platter.

Serving Suggestions

These baskets are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with caramel sauce for a contrast of textures and flavors. Also, a fragrant tea or coffee alongside these delights will create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Practical Tips

- Choose the jam: A tangy jam will perfectly balance the sweetness of the meringue filling. You can also experiment with peach or orange jams.

- Variations of the filling: Instead of nuts, you can use almonds or pistachios, and for an exotic touch, add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the filling.

- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: Each basket contains about 200 kcal, making it a delicious dessert that should be enjoyed in moderation. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of oil instead of lard?
Yes, you can use butter or margarine, but the texture will be slightly different.

- What can I do if I don’t have basket molds?
You can use muffin tins, but make sure to grease them well to avoid sticking.

- How long can I keep the baskets?
They keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it’s best to consume them fresh.

I conclude this recipe with a personal thought: cooking is an art form that brings us together. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor every bite of the surprise box! Enjoy your meal!