Yogurt crescent pastries

Yogurt Crescents - Delicious and Delicate Recipe

In search of a simple yet impressive dessert, yogurt crescents are the perfect choice. These tender delights are ideal for any occasion, from a relaxing afternoon with friends to a savory dessert for festive meals. The recipe I will share today combines pleasant flavors with a slightly crunchy texture, bringing a touch of elegance to every bite.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 24 crescents

Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups of melted lard (approximately 400g)
- 1 cup of plain yogurt (250g)
- 1 egg
- 7-800 g of flour (depending on the desired consistency)
- 1 cube of yeast (approximately 25g)
- Flavors: vanilla essence or lemon zest (to taste)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- Jam (preferably seasonal fruit) or Turkish delight
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Brief History:
Crescents are a traditional dessert found in many cultures, with deep roots in family cooking. These small delights have often been prepared on festive days, associated with moments of celebration and joy. Regardless of the chosen filling, crescents have the ability to bring smiles to the faces of loved ones.

Preparation Steps:

1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, add the melted lard, yogurt, and egg. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or mixer. The lard provides a soft and pleasant texture, while the yogurt helps aerate the dough, making it less dense.

2. Activating the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast cube in 50 ml of warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential to ensure proper rising of the dough.

3. Adding Solid Ingredients:
Once the yeast is activated, add it to the lard mixture. Start adding the flour gradually, mixing continuously. Continue adding flour until the dough becomes homogeneous and no longer sticks to your hands. It is advisable to keep a small amount of flour aside to adjust the consistency.

4. Resting the Dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This resting period will allow the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

5. Forming the Crescents:
After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface into a thin sheet (approximately 3 mm thick). Use a knife or scraper to cut the dough into squares of 8-10 cm. Each square is cut diagonally, forming two triangles.

6. Filling the Crescents:
On each triangle, add a teaspoon of jam or Turkish delight, depending on your preference. Roll the crescents from the base of the triangle to the tip, ensuring they are well sealed at the ends to prevent opening during baking.

7. Baking:
Place the crescents on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them as they will expand during baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat) and bake the crescents for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden and browned, with an irresistible aroma.

8. Finishing:
Once baked, let the crescents cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look and sweet taste.

Practical Tips:
- Choosing the Filling: You can experiment with different jams, such as peaches, plums, or even chocolate for a decadent version. If you prefer a savory filling, cottage cheese with herbs can be an excellent choice.
- Checking the Dough Consistency: Each type of flour absorbs liquid differently, so it is important to adjust the amount of flour based on the dough's texture.
- Storing the Crescents: These delicacies keep very well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Nutritional Information:
- Calories per serving: approximately 120 kcal (depending on filling and size)
- Benefits: Yogurt adds probiotics, which are beneficial for digestion, while fruit jam provides a boost of vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I replace lard with butter? Yes, but the texture will be different; lard gives a specific flakiness to the crescents.
- How can I make the crescents less sweet? Choose a sugar-free jam or reduce the amount of powdered sugar used for decoration.
- Can I freeze the crescents? Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Place them on a tray, freeze them, then transfer them to an airtight container. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Serving:
Yogurt crescents are delicious served alongside a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. You can add a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream for an even more delightful dessert.

In conclusion, yogurt crescents are an excellent choice for both lunches and dinners, being versatile and easy to customize. Think of them as a canvas on which you can express your culinary creativity! Whether you choose classic or bolder fillings, these delights will surely bring joy and flavor to your table. Enjoy!