Have you ever wanted to transport your taste buds to the picturesque Greek islands during the festive season? Well, get ready to dazzle your loved ones with the delightful flavors of Skaltsounia – Greek Christmas pastries filled with a sweet combination of figs and nuts that are sure to evoke feelings of warmth and joy. These golden, flaky delights are a traditional treat hailing from the heart of Greece and are perfect for sharing with family and friends. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a culinary journey to create these delectable Skaltsounia Fig and Nut Filled Pastries!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/3 cup orange juice
– Zest of 1 orange
– Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
– 1 cup dried figs, chopped
– 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and cold, cubed butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Add the Greek yogurt, orange juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt to the flour mixture. Use a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
5. In the meantime, prepare the filling by combining the chopped dried figs, walnuts, honey, cinnamon, ground cloves, and lemon zest in a bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. After the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface into a thin sheet, about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough.
7. Place a spoonful of the fig and nut filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pastries.
8. Transfer the filled pastries to the lined baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and fragrant.
9. Remove the Skaltsounia from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving. These pastries are best enjoyed warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
Indulge in the heavenly flavors of these Skaltsounia Fig and Nut Filled Pastries this Christmas and let them become a cherished part of your holiday tradition. Whether served as a delightful dessert or enjoyed with a cup of hot tea, these Greek treats are bound to impress your guests and fill your home with the festive spirit of the season. So, gather your loved ones around, savor each delicious bite, and bask in the joy of spreading warmth and happiness through the art of baking. Happy holidays!
