Little Saints

Recipe: Honey and Walnut Sfintisori

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 10 sfintisori

Introduction

Sfintisori, a traditional delight commonly found during various holidays and special occasions, are fluffy, aromatic pastries that are easy to prepare. With a tender dough and a sweet honey syrup, they are perfect for serving alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and also make a lovely dessert for a festive meal. I invite you to discover this simple and delicious recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a true treat.

Necessary Ingredients

*For the dough:*

- 2 eggs
- 160 ml milk (preferably whole)
- 2 tablespoons oil (sunflower or olive)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 25 g fresh yeast
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 500 g flour

*For the syrup:*

- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Ground walnuts (to taste)

Step by step: Making the sfintisori

1. Activating the yeast:
Start by warming the milk. It should be warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the fresh yeast with a tablespoon of warm milk and a tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential for ensuring optimal rising of the dough.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the yeast mixture, beaten eggs with a pinch of salt, lemon and orange zest, and vanilla extract. Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands, gradually incorporating the warm milk. Continue mixing until the dough becomes non-sticky.

3. Kneading the dough:
Add the oil and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This step will help develop the gluten, giving the desired texture to the pastries.

4. Rising the dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

5. Preparing the syrup:
In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and honey. Place the mixture over low heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens slightly. This will add a layer of sweetness and flavor to the sfintisori.

6. Shaping the sfintisori:
Once the dough has risen, take a piece of dough (about 100-120 g) and shape it into a long, thin roll. Braid the roll and form it into a figure-eight shape. Repeat this process with all the pieces of dough, placing them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.

7. Glazing the sfintisori:
In a small pan, place 2 tablespoons of sugar and pour in a little water until the sugar caramelizes. Using a brush, glaze the sfintisori with this caramelized syrup, giving them a golden and crispy crust when baked.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the tray in the oven and bake the sfintisori for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and well-baked.

9. Syrup soaking and serving:
After removing them from the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes. Then, dip the top of each sfintisor into the prepared honey syrup, holding them for a few seconds. Generously sprinkle ground walnuts on top and enjoy the unmistakable aroma.

Serving suggestions and combinations

Sfintisori are delicious warm or at room temperature and can be served alongside a cup of herbal tea or aromatic coffee. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast between warm and cold.

Nutritional benefits

These sfintisori contain relatively simple yet nutrient-rich ingredients. Eggs provide a good source of protein, while walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Whole flour, if used, can add essential fiber to the diet. However, considering the sugar content, it is recommended to consume them in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to use the appropriate amount (about 8 g of dry yeast for 25 g of fresh yeast).

- Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Absolutely! You can experiment with almond, rum, or even cinnamon extracts for an extra aromatic touch.

- How can I store the sfintisori?
In an airtight container at room temperature, the sfintisori will stay fresh for 2-3 days. You can freeze them for later enjoyment.

This honey and walnut sfintisor recipe promises to bring a touch of joy to every meal, turning ordinary events into memorable moments. So put on your apron and let’s get cooking! Enjoy your meal!