Sheqerpare
Sheqerpare Recipe from Albania: Sugar, Butter, Eggs, Flour, and More
Introduction
Sheqerpare is a traditional Albanian dessert that is popular during holidays and special occasions. These sweet and syrupy cookies are easy to make and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
History
Sheqerpare has been a staple in Albanian cuisine for generations. The word "sheqerpare" translates to "sugar bread" in English, which perfectly describes these delicious cookies. They are often served during celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, and religious holidays.
Ingredients
Recipe default
- 1 cup of sugar
- 0.75 cup of softened butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups of flour
- 0.25 tsp of baking soda
Syrup Recipe
- 1 cup of sugar
- 0.75 cup of water
- 0.75 tsp of vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 whole cloves
How to prepare
- Mix 1 cup of sugar and butter in a bowl.
- Add yolks and stir until smooth.
- Add flour and baking soda and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough.
- Cut it into 2-inch rounds and place them on baking sheets.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) until pale gold for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the syrup.
Syrup
- Bring the remaining 1 cup of sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan and cook until the syrup spins a long thread, for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and season with vanilla and cloves to taste.
- Remove cookies from the oven when golden and allow them to cool.
- Pour the hot syrup over the cookies.
- Serve at room temperature.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
- Top the cookies with chopped nuts or shredded coconut before baking for added texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to roll out the dough to an even thickness to ensure that the cookies bake evenly.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they can become dry.
- Allow the cookies to cool before pouring the hot syrup over them to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Sheqerpare is best served with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Cooking Techniques
Rolling out the dough to an even thickness is key to ensuring that the cookies bake evenly.
- Be sure to monitor the syrup closely to prevent it from burning.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free version of this recipe.
- If you don't have cloves, you can substitute with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Make Ahead Tips
Sheqerpare can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the sheqerpare on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Sheqerpare pairs well with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of strong black coffee.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover sheqerpare in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of sheqerpare contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of sheqerpare contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of sheqerpare contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of sheqerpare contains approximately 2 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Sheqerpare is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Sheqerpare contains eggs and wheat, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Sheqerpare is a sweet and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar and fat content.
Summary
Sheqerpare is a delightful Albanian dessert that is perfect for special occasions. These sweet and syrupy cookies are easy to make and are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Sheqerpare. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Fatime in Albania. Fatime was known for her incredible baking skills, and she had promised to teach me how to make one of her most treasured recipes.
As we sat in her cozy kitchen, Fatime pulled out a worn and stained recipe card from her recipe box. The card was written in beautiful cursive handwriting, and the ingredients listed were simple yet intriguing. Sugar, flour, butter, and almonds were just a few of the items needed to create this delectable treat.
Fatime explained to me that Sheqerpare is a traditional Albanian dessert that is often served during special occasions and holidays. The name itself translates to "sweet bread," and it is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire many centuries ago.
As we began to mix the ingredients together, Fatime shared with me the story of how she learned to make Sheqerpare. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, and each woman added her own unique touch to the dish.
Fatime's grandmother had taught her how to make Sheqerpare when she was just a young girl. She remembered watching in awe as her grandmother expertly kneaded the dough and shaped the cookies with precision. Fatime had spent countless hours by her grandmother's side, learning the secrets and techniques that made her family's Sheqerpare so special.
As I listened to Fatime's story, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration for the bond she shared with her grandmother. The love and dedication that had been passed down through the generations were evident in every bite of the delicious treat we were creating together.
As the Sheqerpare baked in the oven, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product. Fatime and I sat at the table, sipping tea and sharing stories as we waited for the cookies to cool.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived, and we each took a bite of the warm, buttery cookie. The taste was unlike anything I had ever experienced – a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness that melted in my mouth.
I couldn't believe that I had been able to create something so delicious with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of guidance from my dear friend. Fatime smiled at me, her eyes sparkling with pride, and I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own culinary repertoire.
As I left Fatime's home that day, with a box of Sheqerpare in hand, I felt grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a talented and generous friend. I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the magic that can happen when you combine tradition, love, and a little bit of flour and sugar.
Categories
| Albanian Recipes | Albanian Snacks | Cookie Recipes | Egg Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |