When I first embarked on my food blogging journey, I had high hopes for the future. I believed I would be baking weekly and whizzing through the recipe book. I envisioned experimenting with different recipes and recreating those incredible treats. However, as is often the case, life had its plans. Work responsibilities, a fun weekend trip, and more work hindered my blogging aspirations.
Alas, interruptions are simply a part of the journey. Adaptability and finding moments of inspiration amidst the chaos became my new mantra. There are cross-stitch projects to complete, a quick game of Everdell to play, and Theo wants to walk. While the time I could devote to my blog may be limited, I remain determined.
Now onto sharing my next culinary adventure. I picked this recipe because it was Mom's first recipe in this book. Interestingly, this recipe originated from her second cousin, from the quaint village of Kimle, nestled on the northwestern side of Hungary. During the turbulent times when war ravaged Budapest, my grandmother decided to relocate with her daughters to Kimle for a period.
As a child, I fondly recall our visits to the extended family or their occasional trips to Budapest. Regrettably, over the years, the connections gradually faded away. Nevertheless, as I stumbled upon this recipe, it evoked vivid memories of those cherished visits, rekindling the essence of the time spent with my mother and grandmother.
Deciphering the recipe proved challenging, particularly the perplexing instruction of "2 - 2 spread jam and bake." However, drawing upon my baking expertise, I unraveled its meaning. Despite not recollecting how the bars should look, a faint memory resurfaced as soon as it was prepared. Seeking reassurance, I reached out to my cousin, who confirmed that the bars turned out well. I eagerly shared the treats with my neighbors and family. The bars are a lemony delight. Reflecting upon the experience, I resolved to enhance the recipe further in my next attempt by spreading more jam between the layers.
I thought I would publish the recipe here in English for those who don't read cursive or Hungarian or need the additional instructions the recipe description lacks.
INGREDIENTS
500 gr unbleached all-purpose flour
150 gr sugar
170 gr lard (or use margarine)
2 egg yolks (save the whites for the glaze)
zest of 1 lemon (extract the juice for the cream)
14 gr baking powder (~ 3 tsp)
1/2 cup of milk (approximately)
8 tbsp apricot jam (use more!)
Lemon cream:
100 gr butter
150 gr icing sugar
juice of 1 lemon
Glaze:
200 gr icing sugar
2 egg whites
DIRECTIONS
In a bowl, sift the flour and mix it with sugar, baking powder, lard (or margarine), and the egg yolks. Knead the mixture well and gradually add the milk. Do not add it all at once. Start with a quarter cup, gradually add the rest and see how the dough is shaping up. It should be elastic and easy to roll out.Divide the dough into four equal parts. Take the first two dough balls and roll them into a rectangle. Spread jam on one of them and place the other dough rectangle on top. Bake them together (pastry-jam-pastry) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 10-12 minutes (or until golden) at 350F (180C).
Repeat with the other 2 portions of dough as well.
Let them completely cool down.
Prepare the cream by mixing butter, icing sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Beat the mixture until creamy.
Spread the cream between the two baked 'jam sandwiches' Let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight.
Prepare the glaze by placing the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer and beating using the whisk attachment until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, beating at low speed and scraping down the sides. Add the sugar slowly. Incorporating a little bit at a time will keep the icing smooth.
Spread the glaze on the top of the assembled bars, then let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight.
Before serving, cut the pastry into slices as desired.
Let me know how it worked! Scroll through the pictures or reach out if you have any questions. Jó étvágyat!
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