Walnut and plum jam croissants

Walnut and Plum Jam Crescents – A Fragrant Delight

If you grew up with the smell of freshly baked crescents filled with walnuts and plum jam, you know exactly how special this recipe is. These crescents are perfect for any occasion, from holidays to family gatherings or simply as a delicious snack. Moreover, they are a treat for the taste buds, with a tender texture and a sweet-sour filling.

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

Ingredients:

- 250 g of flour
- 20 g of butter (for a rich flavor)
- 100 g of sugar (choose fine sugar for better integration)
- 150 g of sour cream (use high-fat sour cream for a more tender dough)
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar (to sprinkle over the crescents)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of water (to combine the walnuts)
- 100 g of ground walnuts (you can also use almonds or hazelnuts for a different variant)
- 200 g of plum jam (or any other preferred jam)

Preparation Steps:

1. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, add the ground walnuts, 1 tablespoon of water, 50 g of sugar, and the plum jam. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. This filling will add a rich flavor and perfect sweetness to your crescents.

2. Preparing the dough: In another bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Add the sour cream, a pinch of salt, and mix well. Then, gradually incorporate the flour and the remaining sugar, mixing until you obtain a soft and elastic dough. It is important not to knead too much to preserve the tender texture.

3. Shaping the crescents: Divide the dough into two or three pieces, depending on how large you want the crescents to be. Take a piece of dough and roll it out into a thin sheet, then cut it into triangles. On each triangle, place a teaspoon of the walnut and jam filling.

4. Forming the crescents: Roll each triangle starting from its base to achieve the characteristic crescent shape. Make sure the filling is well covered so that it doesn’t leak during baking.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the shaped crescents on it, leaving a little space between them for even baking. Bake the crescents for 30 minutes or until they turn golden.

6. Finishing: After being taken out of the oven, let the crescents cool slightly. Sprinkle powdered sugar over them for an elegant appearance and an extra touch of sweetness.

Practical Tips:

- Filling variation: Instead of plum jam, you can use any other type of jam, such as apricot, raspberry, or even a mixed berry composition for an explosion of flavors.
- Storage: The crescents keep very well in an airtight container. The longer they sit, the more tender they become, making them ideal to prepare ahead of a special occasion.
- Serving: You can serve the crescents alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but also with a glass of milk for a perfect breakfast.

Nutritional Benefits:

Walnut and plum jam crescents are a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats from the walnuts. They provide energy, and the plum jam adds fiber and vitamins, making them a better choice than many other processed sweets.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use another type of nut?
Yes, you can experiment with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

2. What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
Add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the dough needs to remain soft.

3. Can I freeze the crescents?
Yes, you can freeze the raw crescents before baking. When you want to serve them, let them thaw at room temperature and bake them according to the instructions.

4. Can I make crescents without sugar?
You can use natural sweeteners or sugar alternatives, but the final taste and texture may vary.

So, get ready to bring a touch of joy to your kitchen with these walnut and plum jam crescents! Whether you keep them for yourself or give them as a gift to loved ones, they are sure to bring smiles and unforgettable moments. Enjoy!