the cake or the lord's little pastries

Lord's Pie or Little Pies – A Delicacy with Nuts and Citrus Aroma

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn't remember the enticing smell of roasted nuts and fresh citrus? This recipe for Lord's Pie or Little Pies is a true delight, combining thin pastry sheets with a rich nut filling, sweetened with a fragrant syrup. It is a traditional recipe, full of nostalgia, prepared with love and patience, perfect for enjoying with family and friends.

Ingredients:

- 2 packages of pastry sheets (approximately 400 g)
- 700 g nuts
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 200 g sugar
- Syrup:
- 1 l water
- 500 g sugar
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 essence of vanilla

Necessary utensils:

- Baking tray lined with parchment paper
- Grinder or blender for nuts
- Large bowl for mixing
- Spoons for syrup and filling
- Knife for cutting

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients. Start by grinding the nuts in a grinder or blender until you get a fine powder. Do not let the nuts turn into a paste, but make sure they are evenly ground. Then, in a large bowl, combine the ground nuts with the orange zest, lemon zest, and sugar. Mix well until the ingredients are homogeneous.

2. Preparing the syrup. In a pot, add 1 liter of water and 500 g of sugar. Place it over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Let the syrup boil for about 10-15 minutes, until it becomes slightly viscous. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and add the rum and vanilla essences. Allow the syrup to cool slightly.

3. Assembling the little pies. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Take a sheet of pastry and lightly brush it with syrup using a spoon. Place another sheet on top and repeat the process of brushing with syrup. Continue adding sheets and syrup, being careful not to make them too thick, so as not to weigh down the pie.

4. Adding the filling. After placing 4-5 sheets, add an even layer of the nut mixture over the entire surface. Continue adding sheets and brushing with syrup after each layer of filling until you have used all the ingredients. Finish with a layer of sheets, which you brush again with syrup.

5. Baking. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the little pies for about 30-45 minutes, or until they turn golden, but without excessive browning. It is important to watch them closely, as the baking time can vary depending on the oven.

6. Cooling and serving. Once the little pies are baked, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool completely before cutting into portions. The syrup will soak into the sheets, making them soft and delicious.

Serving suggestions:
These delicious little pies go perfectly with a cup of fragrant tea or strong coffee. You can decorate them with a few whole nuts on top or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a more festive appearance.

Tips and variations:
If you want to add a touch of originality, you can include a bit of cinnamon in the nut mixture or even a few raisins for a sweet-sour note. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to diversify the flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins, contributing to heart and brain health. Additionally, citrus fruits provide a boost of vitamin C, essential for a strong immune system.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use store-bought pastry sheets? Yes, it is recommended to use store-bought pastry sheets to save time. Make sure they are of good quality.
- How can I store the little pies? They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
- What other desserts can I make with nuts? If you like nut desserts, I recommend trying a baklava recipe or a nut and chocolate cake.

Enjoy this recipe and don't forget to share the result with your loved ones! The little pies are not just a dessert, but also a family story, prepared with love and passion. Bon appétit!