Desserts > European Desserts > Romanian

Walnut Plăcintă Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brandy
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup honey

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round baking pan
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan with butter.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter and milk.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Place the dough in the prepared baking pan.
7. In a medium bowl, mix together the walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, brandy, raisins, and honey.
8. Spread the walnut mixture evenly over the dough.
9. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
10. Let cool before serving.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 400
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 6g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the butter, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil.
- For the milk, you can use almond milk or oat milk.
- For the walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds.
- For the sugar, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup.
- For the brandy, you can use rum or whiskey.
- For the raisins, you can use dried cranberries or dried cherries.
- For the honey, you can use agave nectar or maple syrup.

Variations:
- For a vegan version, use vegan butter and almond milk.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour.
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts.
- For a sugar-free version, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar.
- For a low-carb version, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to roll out the dough evenly so that the walnut mixture is evenly distributed.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the walnut mixture is too dry, add a little more honey or brandy.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the plăcintă warm with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.

Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey.

Pairings:
Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the top of the plăcintă is browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to store the plăcintă in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Food History:
Plăcintă is a traditional Romanian pastry that is believed to have originated in the 19th century.

Flavor Profiles:
This plăcintă has a sweet and nutty flavor with hints of cinnamon and brandy.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a dessert or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

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Region: Romanian

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Rich