Apricot hazelnut triangles are a delicious dessert that combines the tangy sweetness of apricots with the rich nuttiness of hazelnuts. This dessert is often made with puff pastry, which creates a flaky and buttery base for the apricot and hazelnut filling. The aroma of the apricots and hazelnuts meld beautifully to create a dessert that is not too sweet, nor too heavy. This dessert is perfect for warm weather and is often served as a light snack or after-dinner treat.
The Origin of Apricot Hazelnut Triangles
The origins of this delicious dessert are not entirely clear, but it is believed to originate in France, where many popular desserts are made with puff pastry. Puff pastry is a light and flaky pastry that is often used in both sweet and savory dishes. The combination of apricots and hazelnuts is a perfect example of how French cuisine often pairs sweet and tangy flavors with rich and nutty flavors.
The Ingredients
To create apricot hazelnut triangles, you will need a few key ingredients. Here is a list of the most commonly used ingredients:
1. Puff pastry
Puff pastry is a light and flaky pastry that is made by layering butter and dough. It is often used in desserts and can be bought pre-made from most grocery stores.
2. Apricots
Apricots are a small fruit that are similar in flavor to peaches. They have a slightly tangy and sweet flavor that pairs well with the nuttiness of hazelnuts.
3. Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are a small nut that has a rich and nutty flavor. They are often used in desserts and can be bought pre-roasted from most grocery stores.
4. Sugar
Sugar is used to sweeten the apricot and hazelnut filling.
5. Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract is added to the filling to enhance the natural flavors of the apricots and hazelnuts.
The Preparation
To prepare apricot hazelnut triangles, you will need to follow a few basic steps.
1. Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot enough to bake the pastries.
2. Prepare the filling
To prepare the filling, chop the hazelnuts into small pieces, and mix them with the chopped apricots in a bowl. Add sugar and vanilla extract and mix until everything is well-combined.
3. Prepare the puff pastry
Roll out the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the pastry into small squares or triangles.
4. Add the filling to the pastry
Place a small dollop of the apricot hazelnut filling in the center of each pastry square or triangle. Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle shape.
5. Bake the pastries
Place the pastries onto a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
Variations
There are many variations of apricot hazelnut triangles that you can try. Some popular variations include:
1. Adding chocolate
For a more decadent dessert, you can add chopped chocolate to the filling to create a chocolatey twist on the classic apricot hazelnut triangle.
2. Using different fruits
You can replace the apricots with other fruits, such as peaches, raspberries, or strawberries, to create a dessert that is unique and flavorful.
3. Sprinkling with powdered sugar
After the pastries have cooled slightly, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness.
Conclusion
Apricot hazelnut triangles are a delicious dessert that combines the delicate flavors of apricots with the nutty richness of hazelnuts. This dessert is easy to prepare and is perfect for warm weather when you want something sweet, but not too heavy. With a few tweaks to the recipe, you can create a unique and flavorful dessert that will impress your friends and family. So, give apricot hazelnut triangles a try and enjoy the delicate flavors of this classic dessert.
Apricot hazelnut triangles are a delicious pastry that is a perfect treat during afternoon tea or for dessert. The recipe involves using a few simple ingredients, and the result is a sweet and crunchy pastry that can be enjoyed by everyone. However, making apricot hazelnut triangles can be a bit tricky for beginners, and you may find yourself struggling with the recipe. This article aims to provide valuable tips when making apricot hazelnut triangles recipes to help you perfect this pastry.
Tip 1: Use High-Quality Ingredients
One of the essential things when making apricot hazelnut triangles is to use high-quality ingredients. The flavor and texture of the pastry will depend on the ingredients that you use. So, for this recipe, try to use good quality apricots, hazelnuts, unsalted butter, and a high-quality flour. Using high-quality ingredients ensures that the pastry has a rich flavor and a soft, flaky texture.
Tip 2: Chill the Pastry Dough
Chilling the pastry dough before you begin rolling and cutting it is another valuable tip when making apricot hazelnut triangle recipes. Chilling helps the dough to firm up, which makes it easier to handle and prevents it from becoming sticky. You can chill it in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes, and up to one hour. This will also help the dough retain its shape during the baking process.
Tip 3: Use Cornstarch to Thicken the Filling
A common issue when making apricot hazelnut triangles is that the filling can become too runny. To prevent this, use a mixture of cornstarch and water to thicken the apricot filling. This will make the filling thicker, more cohesive, and less likely to leak out during baking. Be sure to let the filling cool and thicken before spooning it onto the pastry dough.
Tip 4: Don't Overfill the Pastry Dough
Overfilling the pastry dough is another common mistake when making apricot hazelnut triangles. Overfilled triangles will not seal properly, and the filling will leak out during baking. So, be careful not to overfill the triangles. Use a small spoon to spoon the apricot filling onto the pastry dough, leaving a small border around the edges to fold over and seal.
Tip 5: Seal the Edges Well
Making sure the edges of your hazelnut triangles are sealed properly will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. You could use your fingers or a fork to create a tight seal around the edges. If the edges are not sealed correctly, the pastry can open up, and the filling will spill out. This alters the appearance of the pastry and can also affect the texture.
Tip 6: Use an Egg Wash to Glaze the Pastry
Using an egg wash to glaze the pastry before baking adds a lovely sheen to the pastry and makes the triangles look more attractive. The glaze is also useful in making the edges of the pastry turn golden brown during baking. Use a pastry brush to spread the egg wash evenly over the dough to avoid drenching the pastries.
Conclusion
Making apricot hazelnut triangles is an excellent way to start exploring your baking skills. While the recipe seems easy, some tips can come in handy to produce the best results. Using high-quality ingredients, chilling the pastry dough, using cornstarch to thicken the filling, not overfilling the pastry dough seal the edges well, and using an egg wash to glaze the pastry are some valuable tips that can help you bake perfect apricot hazelnut triangles. With these tips, you can master the recipe and impress your family and friends!