Flemish

Fiamminga - A Sweet Delicacy that Charms Hearts and Taste Buds

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Fiamminga is a delicious recipe that combines the enticing flavors of butter and sugar in a soft and fluffy dough, perfect for enjoying at breakfast or as a sweet snack. This recipe has deep roots in culinary traditions, representing not just a dessert but also a way to gather the family around the table. Let's see how we can prepare this wonder step by step!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 100 g water
- 100 g milk
- 1 packet of fresh yeast (approximately 25-30 g)
- 100 g butter (plus 50 g for filling)
- 50 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of one lemon (for a fresh taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For the topping:
- 50 g butter, cut into cubes
- 100 g vanilla sugar or brown sugar

Preparation

1. Dissolving the yeast: Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm milk mixed with water. Make sure the milk is not too hot, so it doesn't kill the yeast. A temperature of about 37°C is ideal. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial, as active yeast will ensure a fluffy texture for the dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a bread machine (or a large bowl if you don't have one), add the dissolved yeast, flour, sugar, salt, lemon zest, melted butter (reserve the cubes for filling), and vanilla sugar. Mix the ingredients until a homogeneous dough forms. If using a bread machine, select the dough program.

3. Fermentation: Once the dough is ready, transfer it to a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Let it ferment in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume. This is when the yeast works its magic!

4. Shaping and filling: After the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough with a rolling pin. Shape it into a rectangular form, then transfer it to a greased baking tray.

5. Adding the butter: Using your fingers, make small holes in the dough, then place the cold butter cubes in each hole. This will provide a rich flavor and delicious texture.

6. The sugar: Dust the entire surface of the dough with vanilla sugar or brown sugar to add a crispy and caramelized layer.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the fiamminga for 10 minutes or until it becomes golden and fragrant. This is the perfect moment to enjoy the enticing aroma spreading throughout the house!

8. Cooling: Once you take it out of the oven, let it cool slightly before cutting it. It is especially good served warm, but also at room temperature.

Practical Tips

- Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients to achieve the best flavor. Fresh yeast is preferable, but you can also use dry yeast (about 10 g).
- Flavors: You can experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an interesting twist.
- Serving: Fiamminga is delicious alongside a cup of coffee or tea, but can also be enjoyed with a vanilla or chocolate sauce.

Nutritional Information

On average, a serving of fiamminga contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and butter used. This is a delicacy, so it's best to consume it in moderation, but it's worth every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture will be different.

How can I store fiamminga?
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze the slices.

What other recipes can be combined with fiamminga?
This sweet delight pairs perfectly with a fruit smoothie recipe or a chocolate-based dessert.

Personal Note

Every time I make fiamminga, I remember the moments spent with family around the table, sharing stories and laughter. So don't hesitate to bring a bit of the magic of making this dessert into your own kitchen! With a little patience and love, each bite of fiamminga will become an unforgettable memory.

Enjoy the cooking process, experiment, and most importantly, savor every moment!