Warm spices, cozy aromas, and the sweet comfort of home – that’s what the holiday season is all about. When it comes to Swedish Christmas baking, the tradition runs deep with recipes that have been passed down for generations. Today, we bring you a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of a festive Swedish Christmas – Saffranspäron, or Saffron Pears. This delightful pastry combines the rich flavors of saffron, almonds, and pears to create a decadent dessert that will surely impress your family and guests this holiday season.
Saffranspäron – Saffron Pears
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Pinch of saffron threads
– 1/4 cup almond flour
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in a tablespoon of hot water to release their flavor.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into six equal squares.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the almond flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.
5. Place a spoonful of the almond flour mixture in the center of each pastry square and spread it out slightly. Next, layer the sliced pears on top of the almond mixture.
6. Brush the edges of the pastry squares with melted butter, then fold the corners towards the center, overlapping slightly to create a rustic, free-form shape.
7. Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the pears with the saffron-infused water and sprinkle with a little extra sugar for a caramelized finish.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and the pears are tender.
9. Once baked, remove the Saffranspäron from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch before serving warm.
Enjoy these Saffranspäron pastries as a delightful dessert or a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The combination of saffron, almonds, and sweet pears creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will surely evoke the spirit of a Swedish Christmas in your home. Share this recipe with your loved ones and make new memories around the kitchen this holiday season.
