These Norwegian pastries, known as zemicke, are soft, sweet, and filled with a delicious vanilla custard. Paired with mini pavlovas, they create a perfect dessert duo. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these treats will definitely impress.
Norwegian-Style Pastries (Zemicke)
These soft, fluffy pastries are filled with a smooth vanilla custard and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 500 g flour
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 packet fresh yeast
- 80 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- 100 g butter (room temperature)
Ingredients for the Custard Filling:
- 500 ml milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 100 g sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 50 g cornstarch (corn flour)
Instructions:
Make the Dough: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of water, 80 g sugar, and fresh yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast activates. Then, add 200 ml lukewarm milk, flour, salt, 2 packets vanilla sugar, egg, and 100 g butter. Knead into a smooth dough. Leave the dough to rise until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Custard: In a saucepan, heat 250 ml milk. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and the remaining milk. Once mixed, pour into the hot milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened into a pudding-like consistency. Transfer to a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool.
Shape the Pastries: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 16 equal portions. Shape each into a ball. Using your fingers, gently press down the center of each ball to create a small well. If needed, use a glass to make a larger indentation. Fill each with a spoonful of custard.
Prepare for Baking: Beat 1 egg and brush it over the pastries. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the pastries for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Glaze and Serve: Mix 100 g powdered sugar and 4 tablespoons lemon juice to create a glaze. Once the pastries are baked, brush them with the glaze and sprinkle with coconut. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Mini Pavlova
Mini pavlovas are a crispy, meringue-based dessert filled with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with fresh fruit. These delicate treats are sure to impress!
Ingredients for the Meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (corn flour)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Ingredients for the Cream Filling:
- 500 ml milk
- 4 tablespoons sugar (or more, depending on your sweetness preference)
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 vanilla pudding packets
- 2 vanilla sugar packets
- 500 ml whipping cream (or 2 packets of whipped cream mix)
Instructions:
Make the Meringue: Preheat the oven to 100°C (212°F). In a clean bowl, beat 4 egg whites and 200 g sugar until stiff peaks form. Add 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and continue to beat until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe small meringue nests onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Meringue: Bake the meringues in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, until they are dry and crisp. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside.
Prepare the Cream: Heat 250 ml milk until it starts to boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, vanilla pudding, and 2 packets vanilla sugar. Add this mixture to the boiling milk and cook until it thickens into pudding. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip 500 ml cream with 3 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Pavlova: Once the meringues have cooled, carefully spoon the vanilla pudding into each meringue nest. Top with whipped cream and garnish with fresh fruit of your choice (berries, kiwi, etc.).
Serve: Chill the pavlovas for about 30 minutes before serving. These mini pavlovas are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet ending to any meal.
Enjoy these delicious Norwegian-style pastries and mini pavlova for your next gathering or as a special treat! They’ll surely be a hit with anyone who loves sweet, creamy desserts.
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