Tender crescent rolls with lard

Tender Crescent Rolls with Plum Jam – Delicacies for Carolers

Do you want to bring a touch of magic into your home this holiday season? These tender crescent rolls with plum jam are the perfect choice! With a dough that melts in your mouth and a sweet, fragrant filling, these treats are ideal for enjoying with carolers or to sweeten moments spent with loved ones. Plus, they are so delicious that you won't be able to stop eating them!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 crescent rolls

Ingredients:
- 200 g sour cream (preferably with a higher fat content for a rich taste)
- 200 g lard (you can use butter, but lard gives a more tender texture)
- 500 g flour (type 000 white flour is ideal)
- 1 jar of plum jam (or firmer marmalade/jam, according to preferences)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Helpful tip: Choose a quality plum jam, preferably homemade, for an authentic taste.

Preparation Technique:

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sour cream and soft lard. Use a spatula or a mixer with paddles to combine them well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. It is important that the lard is at room temperature so that it integrates easily into the sour cream.

2. Adding the flour: Gradually start adding the flour, mixing continuously. It is ideal to use a sieve to sift the flour so that no lumps form. The dough will become denser and slightly sticky, but don't worry; this is a sign that you are on the right track.

3. Resting the dough: After obtaining a fine dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This step helps to firm the lard and achieve a tender texture after baking.

4. Shaping the crescent rolls: Once the dough has cooled, take it out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Use a knife or a grater to cut squares of about 7-8 cm on each side.

5. Filling and rolling: Take each square and gently stretch it into a rectangular shape. Place a teaspoon of plum jam at the top of each sheet and roll the dough into a cigarette shape, making sure to seal the ends well to avoid leaks during baking.

6. Baking: Place the crescent rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, or until they become lightly golden. Watch them closely, as each oven bakes differently!

7. Decorating: Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar to give them a sweet and attractive appearance.

Storing the crescent rolls: These tender crescent rolls store very well in tin boxes, becoming even more tender over time. You can keep them for up to two weeks, but between us, who can resist them for that long?

Nutritional Benefits: These crescent rolls offer a sweet delight, and the sour cream and lard give them a soft texture, rich in healthy fats. Plum jam is an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber, contributing to a dessert that is not only tasty but also healthier.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use another type of filling? Of course! You can experiment with various fruit jams (apricots, raspberries, blackberries) or even chocolate for a decadent version.

- Can I freeze the crescent rolls? Yes, these crescent rolls can be frozen without any problems. I recommend freezing them before rolling them in powdered sugar.

- What drinks pair well with the crescent rolls? A cup of fruit tea or a flavored coffee are excellent choices to accompany these treats.

Possible Variations: If you want to add a personal touch to your recipe, you can add a bit of vanilla essence or lemon zest to the dough for an extra flavor boost. You can also experiment with different types of powdered sugar, such as vanilla sugar, to enrich the taste.

Conclusion: These tender crescent rolls with plum jam are more than just a simple dessert; they are a part of tradition, a symbol of warmth and generosity during the holidays. Whether you prepare them for carolers or to enjoy with loved ones, they will surely bring smiles and pleasant memories. Enjoy!