Tender croissants

Jam-filled crescent rolls – a classic recipe full of nostalgia

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert that brings back childhood memories, then jam-filled crescent rolls are the perfect choice. These little delicacies are ideal for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee, suitable for both festive meals and a sweet snack during the day. Preparing them may seem like a laborious process, but I will guide you step by step so that you achieve the desired result. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 24 crescent rolls

Essential ingredients:
- 1 cup of lard (approximately 200 g)
- 1 cup of borscht (approximately 250 ml)
- 100 g sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Flour as needed (about 500 g)
- 1 packet of yeast (or 25 g of fresh yeast)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda extinguished with lemon juice or vinegar
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
- Jam of your choice (from peaches, plums, cherries, or even berry jams)

The story of jam-filled crescent rolls is an old one, with deep roots in culinary tradition. They have been made for generations, often associated with festive meals or joyful family moments. Every housewife has her own recipe, but they all share simple ingredients and the love with which they are cooked.

Preparing the dough:
1. Start by sifting the flour. This step is important as it aerates the flour, making the dough lighter and flakier. Make a well in the center of the flour, like a volcano, and prepare to add the wet ingredients.
2. In the well formed, add the melted lard (but not hot, so it doesn't kill the yeast) and the borscht. Make sure the borscht is at room temperature to activate the yeast.
3. Dissolve the yeast in the added borscht, gently mixing with a fork. Then, add the baking soda extinguished with lemon juice or vinegar, sugar, salt, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla.
4. Start incorporating the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or your hands until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You may need more or less flour, so trust your instincts.
5. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This is an essential step to achieve flaky and fluffy crescent rolls.

Resting the dough:
6. Once you have a smooth dough, shape it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step helps solidify the lard and develop flavors.

Shaping the crescent rolls:
7. After the dough has cooled, take it out of the refrigerator and divide it into 4-6 equal portions. Work with one portion at a time to avoid drying out the others.
8. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a round sheet, about 3-4 mm thick.
9. Cut triangles from the rolled-out sheet, making sure they are of equal size. On the widest part of each triangle, place a teaspoon of jam.
10. Roll the triangles starting from the wide end, making sure to shape them so that the jam doesn't spill out.

Baking:
11. Place the crescent rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion during baking.
12. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the crescent rolls for about 15 minutes or until they turn slightly golden.
13. Once ready, let them cool on a cooling rack. If desired, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a more sophisticated look.

Serving suggestions:
Jam-filled crescent rolls are delicious both warm and cold. They pair perfectly with a cup of herbal tea or aromatic coffee. For an extra touch of flavor, you can serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce.

Personalized version:
If you want to add a touch of originality, you can experiment with various fillings, such as ground nuts mixed with sugar and cinnamon or fine chocolate. You can also use different flavors, such as rum or almond essence, to customize the taste.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use butter instead of lard?
Yes, but the texture will be different, and the crescent rolls will be less flaky.
- What kind of jam is the best?
Any jam you like! Peaches, plums, or raspberry jam are excellent choices.
- Can I freeze the crescent rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Place them on a tray in the freezer, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you want to bake them, just let them thaw a bit and put them in the oven.

Nutritional benefits:
These crescent rolls contain simple but nutrient-rich ingredients. Lard provides healthy fats, and the jam is a source of vitamins from fruits. A serving of crescent rolls can have about 150-200 calories, depending on the type of jam used.

Conclusion:
Jam-filled crescent rolls are more than just a simple dessert; they are a part of our culinary tradition, each bite evoking unforgettable memories. I encourage you to prepare them with family or friends, turning cooking into a pleasant and fun activity. Regardless of the occasion, these jam-filled crescent rolls will bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Enjoy!