Walnut Croissants

Diacontei Crescents - An Unforgettable Delight

Diacontei crescents are a traditional dessert that combines the delicacy of a flaky dough with the intense flavor of walnuts, offering a true culinary experience. Over time, this dessert has become a favorite choice for holidays and special moments, cherished by all who discover its taste. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, these crescents will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

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

Ingredients:
- 400 g flour
- 250 g butter (82% fat, cold from the fridge)
- 160 g ground walnuts
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg and 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 vanilla essence
- Grated zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt
- Sugar for dusting

Step by Step:

1. Prepare the dough: Start by mixing the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. This will be the base of your dough. Add the ground walnuts, which will add texture and flavor.

2. Incorporate the wet ingredients: In the center of the flour mixture, add the whole egg, the two yolks, powdered sugar, lemon zest, vanilla essence, and ground cinnamon. These ingredients will give sweetness and a delicious aroma to the crescents.

3. Adding the butter: Grate the cold butter and distribute it evenly into the mixture. This technique will allow the butter to integrate well without melting. Start kneading the dough gently until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Avoid over-kneading, as the butter will melt and the dough will become too soft.

4. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is essential to achieve flaky and crumbly crescents.

5. Shaping the crescents: Once the dough is chilled, divide it into smaller pieces. Roll the dough into logs and cut them into small pieces, which you will shape with your fingers to create crescents. Ensure they are not too large for even baking.

6. Baking: Place the crescents on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at low heat (about 160°C) for about 20 minutes. The crescents should become slightly golden but not overly browned.

7. Finishing: Remove the crescents from the oven and dust them with sugar while they are still warm. This detail adds extra sweetness and an attractive appearance.

8. Storage: Allow the crescents to cool completely, then store them in airtight containers. They can last for several weeks, retaining their flavor and texture.

Helpful tips:
- Always use cold butter to achieve a flaky and crumbly dough.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, try replacing the walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts.
- You can experiment with flavors by adding a few drops of rum or amaretto essence.

Perfect pairings:
Diacontei crescents pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. You can also serve them alongside vanilla ice cream, and the combination will be simply irresistible.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace butter with margarine?
- While it's possible, butter provides a superior taste and texture, so we recommend using butter.

2. How can I make them less sweet?
- You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar added to the dough, but remember that the powdered sugar added at the end contributes to the overall sweetness.

3. How can I keep them fresh longer?
- Make sure to store them in airtight containers. They hold up well for several weeks, but the flavor will be most intense in the first few days.

Diacontei crescents are more than just a simple dessert; they are an invitation to joy and indulgence. Therefore, I encourage you to prepare them, share them with your loved ones, and savor every moment! Each bite will be an explosion of flavor and warmth, reminding you of beautiful moments and the traditions that unite us. Enjoy!