Tea Pretzels
Tea Pretzels Recipe with Almonds and Pastry Flour
Introduction
Tea Pretzels are a delightful and crunchy treat that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. These sweet and nutty pastries are a popular snack in many European countries and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
History
Tea Pretzels have a long history that dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe. Originally, pretzels were made with a simple dough of flour, water, and salt. Over time, different variations of pretzels emerged, including sweet versions like Tea Pretzels. These pastries were often enjoyed as a special treat during tea time or as a dessert.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- First, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the sugar, then the egg (beaten without separating the white and yolk) and pastry flour.
- Cover the dough and let it rest in a cool place for one hour.
- Break off small pieces of the dough and knead them until smooth. Roll the dough under your hands to form breadstick-shaped sticks, about as thick as a round lead pencil. Bring the ends towards the middle of the dough, pressing them about an inch apart to form two rings. Place the rings on a baking tin, with one ring overlapping the other.
- Brush the dough with a mixture of beaten egg and a little milk. Press blanched and sliced almonds onto the dough.
- Bake in a moderate oven.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
- Substitute the almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty twist.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the baked pretzels for a sweet and indulgent treat.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to let the dough rest for at least one hour to allow the flavors to develop.
- When shaping the dough into pretzels, be sure to press the ends together firmly to prevent them from coming apart during baking.
- Brushing the dough with a mixture of beaten egg and milk will give the pretzels a shiny and golden brown finish.
- Be sure to press the almonds onto the dough gently to ensure they stick during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Tea Pretzels are best enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to preheat the oven before baking the pretzels to ensure even cooking.
- Rotate the baking tin halfway through baking to ensure that the pretzels cook evenly on all sides.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have pastry flour, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute.
- You can use any type of nuts in place of almonds, such as hazelnuts or pistachios.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough for Tea Pretzels ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply shape the dough into pretzels and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the baked Tea Pretzels on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Tea Pretzels pair well with a variety of beverages, including black tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They also go well with a glass of milk or a fruity herbal tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Tea Pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pretzels in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Tea Pretzels contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Tea Pretzels contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Tea Pretzels contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Tea Pretzels contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Tea Pretzels are a good source of iron and calcium, providing essential nutrients for overall health.
Alergens
Tea Pretzels contain wheat, eggs, and almonds. They may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients.
Summary
Tea Pretzels are a delicious treat that are relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They provide a moderate amount of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Tea Pretzels are a delightful and crunchy pastry that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. With a sweet and nutty flavor, these pastries are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them as a special treat during tea time or as a delicious dessert.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known for her delicious baked goods. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea, Martha suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, I almost forgot to show you my latest creation - tea pretzels!"
Intrigued, I watched as Martha effortlessly mixed together flour, sugar, butter, and yeast to create a soft dough. She then expertly rolled out the dough into long ropes and twisted them into the iconic pretzel shape. After a quick dip in a bath of baking soda and water, the pretzels were baked to a golden perfection.
As Martha handed me a warm pretzel to try, I was blown away by the buttery, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of tea. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I begged her for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me, along with the story of how she came to create the tea pretzels.
Martha explained that she had first discovered the recipe while traveling through Europe many years ago. She had stumbled upon a quaint tea shop in Vienna, where she was served a plate of tea-infused pretzels with her afternoon tea. Martha was so taken with the unique flavor that she begged the owner for the recipe, which he happily shared with her.
Since then, Martha had perfected the recipe and added her own twist to it. She had even started selling her tea pretzels at local farmers' markets, where they quickly became a fan favorite. I was amazed by Martha's creativity and skill in adapting the recipe to make it her own.
After I returned home, I couldn't wait to try making the tea pretzels myself. I gathered all the ingredients and followed Martha's instructions carefully, remembering the way she had effortlessly shaped the pretzels with a flick of her wrist. As the pretzels baked in the oven, my kitchen was filled with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread.
When the pretzels emerged from the oven, they were a beautiful golden brown, just like Martha's. I eagerly took a bite and was transported back to that sunny afternoon in Martha's kitchen. The buttery, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of tea was just as delicious as I remembered.
From that day on, tea pretzels became a staple in my baking repertoire. I would often make them for family gatherings, where they were always met with rave reviews. I loved sharing the story of how I had learned the recipe from Martha and how it had become a beloved tradition in our family.
As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. Sometimes I would sprinkle the pretzels with cinnamon sugar or drizzle them with a sweet glaze. Other times, I would fill them with a gooey chocolate or caramel filling. No matter how I chose to prepare them, the tea pretzels always brought smiles to the faces of those who tried them.
Now, as I sit in my own cozy kitchen, mixing together the familiar ingredients for tea pretzels, I am filled with gratitude for Martha and the serendipitous moment that led me to discover this cherished recipe. It is a reminder of the power of friendship, creativity, and the joy that comes from sharing something delicious with the ones you love. And as I take a bite of a warm, freshly baked pretzel, I am once again transported back to that sunny afternoon in Martha's kitchen, where it all began.
Categories
| Almond Recipes | Egg Recipes | Pastry Flour Recipes | Snack Recipes |