Casadielles Asturian Nut Filled Pastries

If you’re looking to add a touch of Spanish Christmas tradition to your holiday baking repertoire this year, look no further than Casadielles Asturian Nut Filled Pastries. These delightful treats originating from the Asturias region of Spain are sure to bring a taste of warmth and coziness to your table.

Casadielles are small, crescent-shaped pastries filled with a sweet, nutty mixture that perfectly complements a cup of hot cocoa or a festive glass of sherry. They are popular in Asturias during the holiday season, but you can enjoy them any time you want to savor a little taste of Spain at home.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Zest of one lemon
– 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl and use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

2. Slowly add the water to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it forms a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and divide it into small portions. Roll out each portion into a thin circle or oval, about 1/8 inch thick.

6. Spoon a generous amount of the walnut mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal.

7. Using a fork, crimp the edges of each pastry to ensure the filling stays inside during baking. Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet.

8. Brush the tops of the casadielles with the beaten egg to give them a glossy finish when baked.

9. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.

Enjoy the delicious aroma of cinnamon and lemon as these Casadielles Asturian Nut Filled Pastries bake to perfection. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, or let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. These pastries make a lovely addition to any holiday dessert spread or afternoon tea.

Indulge in the flavors of Spain this holiday season with these delightful Casadielles Asturian Nut Filled Pastries. Your guests will love the combination of buttery pastry and sweet, nutty filling, making them a festive treat to be enjoyed with loved ones.