Delicious 'Lies'

Delicious 'Lies' Recipe - Traditional Romanian Dessert

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Lies, also known as Czech twisted pastries, are a delicious and traditional dessert that originated in the Czech Republic. These sweet treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

History

The recipe for Lies has been passed down through generations in Czech families. These twisted pastries are often made during special occasions and holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. The name "Lies" comes from the Czech word for "knot," which refers to the unique shape of these pastries.

Ingredients

3 egg yolks
1 whole egg
1 tsp confectioner's sugar
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp plain seltzer
vanilla or rum for flavoring
flour as needed
salt
shortening for frying
vanilla flavored confectioner's sugar

How to prepare

Place the sifted flour on a pastry board.
Create an indentation in the middle and add the eggs, sugar, sour cream, seltzer, vanilla, and salt.
Knead the mixture until a rather stiff dough forms.
Divide the dough into 2 parts and let it rest for 1 hour.
Afterward, roll the dough into a very thin sheet.
Cut the sheet into strips that are 1.5 inches wide.
Each strip should be 4 inches long.
Make a notch in the middle of each strip and thread one end through the notch to create a knot-like shape.
Repeat this step for all the strips.
Fry the strips in a pan with hot oil or lard until they turn golden brown.
Remove the fried strips using a slotted spoon and sprinkle them with vanilla-flavored confectioner's sugar.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the confectioner's sugar for a warm and spicy flavor.
Drizzle the fried Lies with honey or maple syrup for a sweet and sticky treat.
Fill the Lies with a dollop of fruit preserves or Nutella before frying for a fruity or chocolatey twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the dough rest for at least 1 hour before rolling it out. This will help the dough relax and make it easier to work with.

- Be sure to fry the Lies in hot oil or lard to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy.

- Sprinkle the fried Lies with confectioner's sugar while they are still warm to allow the sugar to stick to the pastries.

Serving Suggestions

Lies are best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to roll the dough out very thin to ensure that the Lies are crispy and flaky.

- Fry the Lies in small batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of Lies.

- If you don't have seltzer, you can use sparkling water or beer as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Lies dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying. This will allow the flavors to develop and make the dough easier to work with.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fried Lies on a platter and dust them with a generous amount of confectioner's sugar for a beautiful and delicious presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lies pair well with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even a glass of milk. They are also delicious with a shot of rum or brandy for a boozy twist.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Lies are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the Lies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lies contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lies contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lies contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lies contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Lies contain eggs and gluten. They may also contain dairy if sour cream is used in the recipe.

Summary

Lies are a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

Summary

Lies are a delightful and traditional Czech dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. These twisted pastries are crispy, flaky, and delicious, making them a favorite treat for special occasions and holidays. Enjoy Lies with a cup of coffee or tea for a truly indulgent experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. She was a wonderful cook and always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

On this particular day, Mrs. Jenkins invited me into her cozy kitchen and pulled out a worn, stained recipe card from her recipe box. She told me she had a special treat to share with me – a recipe for Delicious 'Lies'. I was intrigued by the name and couldn't wait to see what this mysterious dish was all about.

As Mrs. Jenkins began to gather the ingredients, she explained to me that Delicious 'Lies' was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. It was a simple dish, but one that was always a hit with her family and friends.

The first step in making Delicious 'Lies' was to gather a variety of fresh fruits – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Mrs. Jenkins stressed the importance of using only the freshest, ripest fruits for this dish. She said that the brightness and sweetness of the fruit was key to making the 'lies' truly delicious.

Next, Mrs. Jenkins showed me how to prepare a sweet, tangy sauce to drizzle over the fruit. She combined sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of cornstarch in a small saucepan and cooked it until it thickened into a syrupy consistency. The aroma of the lemon juice filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the sauce was ready, Mrs. Jenkins carefully poured it over the fresh fruit, tossing everything together gently to coat each piece in the sweet, tangy mixture. The colors of the fruit glistened in the sunlight streaming through the window, making the dish look almost too beautiful to eat.

But eat it we did, and oh, what a delight it was! The combination of the sweet, juicy fruit and the tangy sauce was a match made in heaven. The flavors danced on my tongue, and I couldn't help but ask for a second helping. Mrs. Jenkins laughed and happily obliged, knowing that she had introduced me to a new favorite recipe.

From that day on, Delicious 'Lies' became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, picnics in the park, or just as a special treat for myself. Each time I prepared the dish, I would think back to that summer day with Mrs. Jenkins and smile, grateful for her generosity in sharing such a wonderful recipe with me.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for Delicious 'Lies' with countless friends and family members. Each time, I pass along the story of how I learned to make this dish from Mrs. Jenkins, and how it has become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

I am grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And I am especially grateful for the recipe for Delicious 'Lies', a sweet reminder of the joy that can be found in sharing good food with good company.