Icelandic Curly Peters

Authentic Icelandic Curly Peters Recipe - Traditional Icelandic Delight

Region / culture: Iceland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes per batch | Servings: 3 to 4 dozen

Introduction

Icelandic Curly Peters are delicious and crunchy biscuits that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. They are made with a combination of brown sugar, margarine, walnuts, raisins, and warm syrup, giving them a sweet and nutty flavor.

History

The recipe for Icelandic Curly Peters has been passed down through generations in Iceland. It is a traditional recipe that is often made during the holiday season or for special occasions. The biscuits are named after the curly shape they take on as they spread out during baking.

Ingredients

225 g moist brown sugar
225 g butter or margarine at room temperature
1 egg
1 tbsp warmed syrup
1 tsp cinnamon
110 g chopped walnuts
110 g raisins
225 g self raising flour

How to prepare

Place the biscuits into an airtight container once they have cooled. If desired, you can re-crisp them in the oven later.
Preheat the oven to gas mark 4, 350°F (177°C), or 180 cup. Grease two large baking sheets.
Start by creaming together the butter and sugar until you achieve a pale and fluffy dropping consistency. Then, add the whole egg and syrup.
Using a wooden spoon, stir until the mixture becomes smooth.
Sift in the flour and cinnamon, gradually folding them into the mixture. Finally, add the walnuts and raisins.
Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheets, placing about 10 on each sheet. Note that this may not use up all the mixture.
Bake the first batch of biscuits for approximately 20 minutes. During this time, they will spread out quite a bit.
Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling tray.
Repeat the above steps to finish the remaining mixture.
This recipe yields 3 to 4 dozen biscuits.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the biscuits before baking for a sweet and salty flavor.
Substitute the walnuts and raisins with your favorite nuts and dried fruits for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure the margarine is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and fluffy consistency.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added, as this can result in tough biscuits.

- Keep an eye on the biscuits while they are baking, as they can quickly go from golden brown to burnt.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Icelandic Curly Peters with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy is key to achieving the perfect texture for Icelandic Curly Peters.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the margarine with butter for a richer flavor in Icelandic Curly Peters.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Icelandic Curly Peters ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Icelandic Curly Peters on a decorative plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Icelandic Curly Peters with a glass of milk or hot chocolate for a comforting snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Icelandic Curly Peters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To re-crisp them, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Icelandic Curly Peters contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Icelandic Curly Peters contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Icelandic Curly Peters contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Icelandic Curly Peters contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Icelandic Curly Peters are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Icelandic Curly Peters contain nuts and eggs.

Summary

Icelandic Curly Peters are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and high in carbohydrates. They are a good source of fats, proteins, iron, and calcium.

Summary

Icelandic Curly Peters are a delightful treat that is perfect for enjoying during the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet and nutty biscuit. With a crunchy texture and a hint of cinnamon, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, during one of my travels to Iceland. I had always been fascinated by the culture and cuisine of different countries, and I was determined to learn as much as I could during my visit.

I had heard whispers of a delicious and unique dessert called Icelandic Curly Peters, but no one seemed to have a recipe for it. Determined to uncover the secret behind this mysterious treat, I set out on a quest to find the perfect recipe.

I wandered through the bustling streets of Reykjavik, stopping at cafes and bakeries in search of any clues that would lead me to the coveted recipe. Finally, after days of searching, I stumbled upon a quaint little bakery tucked away in a corner of the city.

As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked pastries and the sound of laughter coming from the kitchen. I knew I had found the right place.

I approached the baker, a kind elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye. I asked her about Icelandic Curly Peters, and her face lit up with excitement.

"Ah, you have come to the right place, my dear!" she exclaimed. "I have been making Icelandic Curly Peters for many years, and I would be happy to share the recipe with you."

I couldn't believe my luck. It seemed as though fate had brought me to this bakery at just the right moment.

The baker led me to a cozy corner of the kitchen, where she pulled out a worn and stained recipe book. She flipped through the pages until she found the recipe for Icelandic Curly Peters.

As she read out the ingredients and instructions, I felt a surge of excitement. This was the moment I had been waiting for – the moment I would finally learn the secret behind this delicious dessert.

The recipe called for simple ingredients – flour, sugar, butter, and a touch of cinnamon. The real magic, however, lay in the technique. The dough had to be rolled out thin and cut into delicate strips before being twisted into intricate shapes and baked to golden perfection.

The baker patiently showed me each step, guiding me through the process with skill and precision. As we worked together, I could feel a bond forming between us – a shared love for food and tradition that transcended language and culture.

After hours of mixing, rolling, and shaping, the Icelandic Curly Peters were finally ready. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of sweetness and warmth. The delicate layers of pastry melted in my mouth, leaving behind a lingering hint of cinnamon and butter.

I thanked the baker profusely for her generosity and wisdom, promising to carry on the tradition of Icelandic Curly Peters in my own kitchen. She smiled and wished me well on my culinary journey, knowing that the recipe was now in good hands.

Since that day, I have made Icelandic Curly Peters countless times, sharing the recipe with friends and family who have all been equally enchanted by its magic. Each time I bake a batch of these delicious pastries, I am reminded of that fateful day in Reykjavik when I discovered the secret behind this beloved treat.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the comforting aroma of freshly baked Icelandic Curly Peters, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us with others, to tell stories, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. And for that, I will always be thankful.