Tarts or the Lord's Pies

Turtas or The Lord's Pelincile - A Family Recipe for Holidays

Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including dough resting time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

Introduction:
In every family, there are recipes that become traditions, and "Turtas" or "The Lord's Pelincile" are certainly one of those recipes that bring together generations of passionate cooks. These thin, crispy pastries filled with aromatic fillings are a must on holiday tables, bringing a touch of nostalgia and a warm festive atmosphere. Their origins are lost in the mists of time, but what truly matters is how the recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, enriched with each story and memory.

In this guide, I will teach you step by step how to prepare these delicious pastries, providing you with useful tips and tricks that will guarantee a perfect result. Whether you make them for Christmas or any other special occasion, these pastries will surely become your favorites!

Ingredients:
For the pastries:
- 500 g flour (choose a quality flour, type 000, to achieve crispy pastries)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 250 ml warm water

For the filling:
- 300 g walnut kernels (preferably lightly toasted to enhance the flavor)
- 150 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- Grated zest of 1 orange
- 1 bottle of vanilla essence (or 1 vanilla pod for a more intense flavor)
- 100 ml rum (optional, but adds a special taste)

Preparing the pastries:
1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. This will give a pleasant taste to your pastries. You can use a whisk or a spatula to combine the dry ingredients.
2. Make a small well in the middle of the flour and add the warm water. Mix gently with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to form.
3. When the dough becomes sufficiently homogeneous, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is essential for achieving perfect pastries!
4. Form a ball from the dough and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes in a cool place.

5. After the dough has rested, divide it into equal pieces (about 100 g each). Use a rolling pin to roll each piece into a thin sheet, similar to pastry sheets. Don't forget to sprinkle flour on the work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
6. Preheat the griddle or pan over medium heat. Bake the pastries one at a time for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. You can check if they are ready by a gentle press - if they sound hollow, they are perfect!

Filling:
1. In a pan, lightly toast the walnut kernels, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once they turn golden, let them cool.
2. Grind the walnut kernels in a food processor or with a grinder. Add the sugar, grated lemon zest, grated orange zest, and vanilla essence. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. If desired, add the rum to enhance the flavors.

Assembling the pastries:
1. Place the pastries on a clean towel, allowing them to cool. They should be perfectly cool before filling.
2. In a bowl, prepare hot water. Take each pastry and dip it in the water, letting it soak for 10-15 seconds. This step will make them easier to handle and tastier.
3. On a platter, start building the layers. Place a layer of pastries, sprinkle the walnut filling, sugar, and aromatic ingredients, then continue with another layer of pastries. Repeat until you fill the platter, ensuring the last layer is of pastries.
4. Cover the platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, but ideally, leave them overnight. This resting time will allow the flavors to integrate perfectly.

Serving:
Serve the pastries cold, cut into suitable slices. They pair wonderfully with aromatic tea or mulled wine in the cold season. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a delicious contrast.

Possible variations:
- You can replace the walnut kernels with almonds or hazelnuts to vary the flavors.
- Add cinnamon to the filling for a warmer and more comforting taste.
- Instead of rum, you can use orange essence for an extra citrus note.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the dough is well kneaded. The more elastic it is, the easier the pastries will be to handle.
- Use a cotton towel to cover the baked pastries to keep them warm and crispy.
- If you desire a fluffier texture, you can add a beaten egg to the dough.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can the pastries be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the unfilled pastries. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. When you want to use them, let them thaw at room temperature.
2. What can I use instead of sugar?
You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but you'll need to adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness.

Nutritional benefits:
These pastries are rich in nuts, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants. Additionally, the citrus zest provides essential vitamins, such as vitamin C, which is important for the immune system.

In conclusion, the pastries or The Lord's Pelincile are more than just a culinary dish; they represent a connection between generations and a way to celebrate important moments in our lives. Don't hesitate to try them and personalize them to your taste. Each bite will be a journey back in time, to cherished memories and special moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!