The Little Witches

Little Witches with Caramelized Apples - A Charming Recipe

When you think of a dessert that brings a touch of magic to everyday life, the "Little Witches" recipe is the perfect choice. These delicious treats, filled with sweet and fragrant apples, are ideal for enjoying with loved ones or adding a sprinkle of charm to a party. With a soft and fluffy dough, these "witches" not only delight your taste buds but are also a pleasure to behold.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 12 pieces

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 5 apples (choose sweet apples for a delicious taste)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

For the dough:
- 250 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 350 ml borscht (or sparkling water for a fluffier texture)
- Flour as needed (approximately 500 g, but may vary)

For assembly:
- Breadcrumbs (to absorb moisture)

A Brief History

These "Little Witches" were inspired by culinary traditions that combine simple ingredients with ingenious cooking techniques. It is said that these delights were a way for housewives to express their creativity in the kitchen, transforming family customs into magical moments.

Preparing the Filling

1. Preparing the apples: Wash the apples well under a stream of cold water. You can choose to peel them or leave the skin on, depending on your preferences. Use a large grater to shred them, achieving the ideal texture for the filling.
2. Sautéing the apples: In a pot, place the shredded apples and sauté them over medium heat. If the apples are sweet enough, there is no need to add sugar. Sauté until they become soft, then add the cinnamon. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool. These caramelized apples will add a special flavor to your dessert.

Preparing the Dough

3. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine part of the flour with the margarine (or butter), sugar, and salt. Mix until you achieve a crumbly mixture.
4. Activating the yeast: In the center of the mixture, make a well and crumble the yeast with your fingers. Add the borscht and mix gently, homogenizing the ingredients.
5. Forming the dough: Start adding flour gradually, kneading vigorously until you obtain a soft but moldable dough. Don’t worry if you need to adjust the amount of flour; the dough should be fluffy and slightly sticky.

Assembling and Baking

6. Dividing the dough: Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out the first piece into a thin sheet, about 5 mm thick.
7. Cutting circles: Use a glass to cut larger circles from the dough. Sprinkle a little breadcrumbs on each circle to absorb moisture from the apples and prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
8. Filling: Place a spoonful of the caramelized apple mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough and seal it with your fingers, forming a sphere. You can cut them with a knife to give them a pumpkin shape, but don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; the goal is to be as creative as possible.
9. Baking: Place the spheres on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C for about 20 minutes or until golden.
10. Preparing the hats: Roll out the second piece of dough and cut out smaller circles. Shape them with your fingers to give them a hat shape, then bake for a maximum of 10 minutes, being careful not to leave them too long as they can burn.

Serving and Suggestions

These "Little Witches" are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They are also perfect accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee, adding extra comfort on cool evenings.

Practical Tips

- Variations of the filling: You can experiment with different types of fruits, such as pears or peaches, or you can add ground nuts for extra texture.
- The dough: If you prefer a less fatty version, you can replace the margarine with coconut oil, which will give a unique taste.
- Caring for the dough: If the dough becomes too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to dry it out.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these "Little Witches" has approximately 250 calories, making it a good choice for a moderate dessert. The apples provide a boost of fiber and vitamins, while the cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that can help maintain health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sour apples?
Yes, but you will need to add more sugar to the filling to balance the acidity.

2. Can I freeze these treats?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Make sure they are well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

3. How can I keep the dough soft?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, but not for more than 24 hours.

If I have piqued your interest, don’t hesitate to try this recipe that will not only delight you but will also bring a touch of magic to every meal. Enjoy!