Wasps' nests

Fluffy, vanilla wasp nests soaked in syrup - a quick and simple dessert, perfect for bringing a smile to anyone's face. These treats are ideal for enjoying at any time of the day, from breakfast to an afternoon snack. Whether you're looking for an easy-to-make dessert recipe or simply want to try something new, these wasp nests are sure to win you over.

Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus rising time)
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: About 2 hours (including rising)
Servings: 12 nests

A brief story about wasp nests
This dessert has deep roots in culinary tradition, cherished in various cultures for its fluffy texture and sweet aroma. People have created different versions of this dessert, each with a personal touch, and today I will share my favorite recipe, which combines the fluffiness of the dough with a delicious cream and an enticing syrup.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 550 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 50 g soft butter
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 1 packet of dry yeast

For the butter cream:
- 200 g soft butter
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For the syrup:
- 100 ml milk
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. If you have a bread machine, this process will be much simpler. In the bread machine's bowl, add the lukewarm milk first, followed by the soft butter, oil, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, and finally, the flour. It's important to add the yeast last, ensuring it doesn't come into direct contact with the liquids.

Set the bread machine to the kneading and rising program (program 8 in my case) and let it work its magic for 1 hour and 30 minutes. During this time, the dough will double in volume, becoming fluffy and airy.

Step 2: Prepare the cream
While the dough is rising, it's the perfect time to prepare the cream. In a bowl, mix the soft butter with the sugar and vanilla sugar until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This will add a rich note with intense flavor to your dessert.

Step 3: Form the nests
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle some flour on the work surface and roll the dough into a rectangular sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Using a spatula, spread the butter cream evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Then, roll the dough tightly, as if making a roulade, and cut it into slices about 2 fingers thick. You should get about 12 pieces.

Step 4: Let the rolls rise
Place the cut rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a 1 cm gap between them to allow for rising. Cover the tray with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 30 minutes. Now is the perfect time to preheat the oven to 180°C.

Step 5: Bake
Once the rolls have risen, place the tray in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until they turn golden and fluffy. While they are baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla sugar, bringing them to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar completely dissolves.

Step 6: Soak the nests
After the wasp nests are baked, remove them from the oven and, while still warm, generously soak them with the milk syrup. Use about 2 tablespoons of syrup for each roll, ensuring they are well infused with flavor.

Step 7: Cooling and serving
Allow the nests to cool slightly before enjoying them. You will notice how the bottom becomes slightly caramelized, adding a crunchy texture and a delightful contrast to the fluffy interior of the rolls.

Useful tips and variations

1. Add nuts or dried fruits: For extra texture, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the butter cream. This will provide a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

2. Try different flavors: If you want to experiment, substitute vanilla with cinnamon or add a few drops of almond extract. These variations will transform the dessert and add a unique charm.

3. Serve with cream: These wasp nests are delicious served alongside a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream. This way, you'll achieve a pleasant contrast between the sweetness of the dessert and the acidity of the cream.

Nutritional benefits

Although these nests are a dessert, they contain ingredients that can provide nutritional benefits, such as eggs, which are a good source of protein and vitamins. Butter adds healthy fats, and lemon contributes vitamin C. Of course, consumption of this dessert should be moderate, considering the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquids, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.

- How can I store the wasp nests?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can warm them slightly in the oven to restore their fluffiness.

- Can I freeze the nests?
Absolutely! They can be frozen, but make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.

These fluffy, vanilla, syrup-soaked wasp nests are not just a treat, but also a wonderful way to bring joy to your loved ones. Making them becomes an enjoyable activity, and the result will surely please everyone. So don't hesitate to try them and adapt them to your preferences!