Little Ships

Little Ships Recipe from Romania - Delicious Pastry Made with Lard, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Little Ships are a traditional Eastern European pastry that are perfect for a sweet treat or dessert. These small, bite-sized pastries are filled with a delicious mixture of lard, sugar, and vanilla, making them a delightful indulgence.

History

Little Ships have been a popular pastry in Eastern Europe for generations. They are often made during holidays and special occasions, and are a beloved treat for many families. The name "Little Ships" comes from the shape of the pastry, which resembles a small boat or ship.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of lard
1 tbsp of confectioner's sugar
0.5 cup of sour cream or milk
2 oz/50 g of yeast
1 tsp of vanilla
salt
flour as needed
vanilla flavored confectioner's sugar

How to prepare

In a bowl, beat the lard with the sugar and vanilla. Then, add sour cream, yeast dissolved in a little milk, and salt.
Knead the mixture with flour until it forms a medium stiff dough.
Cover the dough and leave it in a warm place to rise.
Once the dough has risen, place it on a pastry board and divide it into 3 equal parts.
Take each part and shape it into a roll using your hands.
Cut each roll into pieces that are about the width of a finger.
Place these pieces on a baking sheet, making sure to leave considerable distance between them.
Allow the pieces to rise again.
Preheat the oven and then bake the pieces until they are cooked through.
Once they are ready, roll each piece in vanilla flavored confectioner's sugar.

Variations

Add raisins or nuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the baked Little Ships for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough until it forms a smooth and elastic texture.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to ensure it doubles in size.

- Be sure to leave enough space between the pieces on the baking sheet to allow for rising.

- Rolling the baked pieces in confectioner's sugar while they are still warm will help the sugar stick to the pastry.

Serving Suggestions

Little Ships are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic is key to achieving the right texture.

- Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures a light and fluffy pastry.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used in place of lard for a slightly different flavor.

- Almond extract can be used in place of vanilla for a nutty twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Little Ships can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Little Ships on a decorative platter and dust with additional confectioner's sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Little Ships pair well with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a hot cup of mulled cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Little Ships in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Little Ships contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Little Ships contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Little Ships contains approximately 8g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Little Ships contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Little Ships are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Little Ships contain dairy and gluten.

Summary

Little Ships are a delicious pastry treat that are relatively low in calories and provide a small amount of healthy fats and proteins.

Summary

Little Ships are a delightful pastry treat that are perfect for any occasion. With a sweet and flavorful filling encased in a light and fluffy dough, these bite-sized pastries are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly indulgent experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Little Ships. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy kitchen. Margaret was known for her delicious baked goods, and that day she had a special treat in store for me - a recipe she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago.

As she carefully measured out the ingredients and mixed them together, Margaret shared the story behind the recipe. She told me that her grandmother used to make these Little Ships for her and her siblings as a special treat on rainy days. The name came from the unique shape of the cookies, which resembled tiny sailboats floating on a sea of creamy frosting.

I watched in awe as Margaret rolled out the dough and cut it into small boat shapes, complete with masts and sails. She then baked them to perfection, filling her kitchen with the warm, buttery scent of freshly baked cookies. Once they had cooled, Margaret expertly frosted each Little Ship with a smooth layer of white icing, adding colorful sprinkles to mimic the waves of the sea.

As I took my first bite of the sweet, tender cookie, I was transported back to my own childhood. I could almost hear the sound of rain pattering against the window, and feel the cozy warmth of my grandmother's kitchen as she baked treats for me and my siblings. It was a simple pleasure, but one that brought back a flood of happy memories.

After that day, I knew I had to learn how to make Little Ships for myself. Margaret graciously shared the recipe with me, and I set to work in my own kitchen, determined to recreate the magic of those delicious cookies. I carefully measured out the flour, sugar, and butter, mixing them together until a smooth dough formed. I rolled it out and cut it into tiny boats, just like Margaret had shown me.

As the cookies baked in the oven, I could hardly contain my excitement. The familiar scent of butter and sugar filled the air, bringing back memories of lazy afternoons spent baking with my grandmother. When the Little Ships emerged golden brown and fragrant, I knew I had succeeded.

I let the cookies cool before frosting them, carefully spreading a thin layer of sweet icing over each one. I added colorful sprinkles to mimic the waves of the sea, just as Margaret had done. As I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and savored the taste of nostalgia that washed over me.

From that day on, Little Ships became a staple in my recipe collection. I made them for family gatherings, birthday parties, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I baked a batch, I felt a sense of connection to my past, to the generations of women who had passed down this simple yet delicious recipe.

As the years went by, I shared the recipe with my own grandchildren, teaching them how to make Little Ships just as Margaret had taught me. I watched with pride as they rolled out the dough, cut it into tiny boats, and frosted each one with care. It was a tradition that had been passed down through the ages, a link to the past that would continue to live on in the hearts and kitchens of my family.

And so, as I sit here in my own cozy kitchen, surrounded by the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures in life. The joy of sharing a beloved recipe, the warmth of a childhood memory, the sense of wonder that comes from creating something beautiful with your own two hands. Little Ships may be just a humble cookie, but to me, they represent so much more - a connection to my past, and a promise for the future.