Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 250ml warm milk
- 100g sugar
- 100g butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 200g poppy seeds
- 100g honey
- 100g chopped walnuts
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheets
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and add 1 tbsp of sugar. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
2. Add the flour, remaining sugar, softened butter, eggs, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the mixing bowl. Mix everything together with an electric mixer until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rest in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of 1cm.
6. Cut the dough into small squares or circles with a cookie cutter.
7. Place the sfințișori on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for another 10 minutes.
8. Bake the sfințișori for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
9. In a separate bowl, mix the poppy seeds, honey, and chopped walnuts together.
10. Brush the sfințișori with the poppy seed mixture while they are still warm.
- Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 180°C
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 30 sfințișori
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 150
- Total fat: 6g
- Total carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the poppy seeds with sesame seeds or chopped almonds.
- You can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Variations:
- You can add raisins or dried cranberries to the poppy seed mixture for added sweetness.
- You can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spicier flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dough is well-rested before rolling it out to prevent it from shrinking.
- Brush the sfințișori with the poppy seed mixture while they are still warm to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage instructions:
- Store the sfințișori in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the sfințișori, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 5-10 minutes or until they are warm.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the sfințișori on a platter and sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a festive look.
Garnishes:
- Garnish the sfințișori with fresh berries or mint leaves for added color.
Pairings:
- Serve the sfințișori with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
Suggested side dishes:
- Sfințișori are typically served as a dessert on their own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it becomes manageable.
- If the sfințișori turn out too hard, reduce the baking time or temperature.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before starting to prevent contamination.
Food history:
- Sfințișori are a traditional Romanian dessert typically served during the Christmas season.
Flavor profiles:
- Sfințișori have a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of lemon zest.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sfințișori on a festive platter with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
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Region: Romanian