Wasps' nest with nuts and cranberries

Wasps' nests with nuts and cranberries

Wasps' nests with nuts and cranberries are a delicacy that combines the sweetness and crunchy texture of nuts with the tart notes of cranberries, resulting in a fluffy and aromatic dessert. This dish is perfect to be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing afternoon or a special occasion.

The origin of this dessert lies in rich culinary traditions, where leavened dough and various fillings have been appreciated over time. "Wasps' nests" get their name from their distinctive shape, reminiscent of a nest, making it a perfect choice to impress guests.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

- 2 farm-fresh eggs
- 900 grams of flour
- 25 grams of fresh yeast
- 150 ml of milk
- 310 grams of sugar
- 120 grams of powdered sugar
- 100 grams of butter or margarine
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 150 grams of ground nuts
- 100-130 grams of dried cranberries

Step by Step for a Perfect Dessert

1. Activating the yeast:
Start by crumbling the yeast in a small bowl. Add a little warm milk (about 50 ml from the 150 ml) and a pinch of sugar. Gently mix and let it rise for 15-20 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy dough, as the activated yeast will help it rise.

2. Preparing the butter cream:
In a separate bowl, mix the 100 grams of softened butter with 150 grams of sugar. Use a mixer to achieve a fluffy and homogeneous cream. This process will add an airy texture to the final product.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
In another large bowl, combine the flour, activated yeast, the remaining 150 grams of sugar, the two eggs, and salt. Add the prepared butter cream. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step is crucial because a properly kneaded dough will rise beautifully.

4. Let the dough rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. The dough should double in volume.

5. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the cranberries. Place them in a small bowl with warm water and let them hydrate for 10 minutes. This step will prevent the cranberries from absorbing moisture from the dough during baking, keeping them juicy.

6. Forming the nests:
After the dough has risen, divide it into three equal parts. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the first portion of dough to a thickness of about one centimeter. Spread with the butter cream, sprinkle with ground nuts and hydrated cranberries. Roll the dough tightly, then carefully cut it into pieces of about 5 cm.

7. Placing in the tray:
Grease a baking tray with oil or butter or use parchment paper. Place the pieces of dough in the tray, leaving enough space between them to rise. Repeat the process with the other two portions of dough. Before baking, let them rise for another 5 minutes.

8. Preparing for baking:
In a small saucepan, heat the remaining milk and add the powdered sugar. Stir over low heat until the sugar completely dissolves, being careful not to overheat it.

9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 185 degrees Celsius. When ready, bake the wasps' nests for 11 minutes. Remove them from the oven and quickly pour warm milk between their spirals, using about 3-4 tablespoons. This trick will make the dough soft and fluffy. Returning the tray to the oven will allow the dough to absorb moisture for another 12-13 minutes until golden and perfectly baked.

10. Cooling and serving:
After baking, let the nests cool slightly in the tray, then transfer them to a cooling rack. You can sprinkle them with a little powdered sugar for an attractive appearance. Serving the wasps' nests is ideal alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but also with a glass of cold milk.

Practical Tips

- Choose quality ingredients: Use high-quality butter and fresh nuts for a more intense flavor.
- Pay attention to ingredient temperature: The milk and butter should be at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Do not overheat the milk: When preparing the milk with sugar, ensure it does not boil, as this can lead to caramelization of the sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of dried fruits?
Absolutely! You can experiment with raisins, dried apricots, or even dark chocolate for a more decadent flavor.

2. How can I tell if the dough is ready?
The dough is ready when it becomes elastic and smooth and doubles in volume during rising.

3. What can I do with leftover dough?
If you have leftover dough, you can make strawberries or other fillings. It’s a good way to avoid waste.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Each serving of wasps' nests contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on size and ingredients used. They are a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates from flour and sugar, while nuts provide healthy fats and protein.

Possible Variations

To add an interesting twist to your recipe, you can try the following variations:
- With cocoa: Add 30 grams of cocoa to the dough for a chocolatey version.
- Flavors: Experiment with flavors like vanilla or cinnamon in the butter cream for a more complex taste.
- Glaze: After cooling, you can glaze with melted chocolate or a sugar glaze for a more sophisticated look.

Wasps' nests with nuts and cranberries are not only a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to gather family and friends around the table. Whether you serve them for a special occasion or as dessert after a lavish dinner, this dish will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Prepare them with love and enjoy every bite!