Christmas Sweets To Make With Children
Nougat and polvorones are the quintessential Christmas sweets in Spain. They are made with sugar or honey, flour and almonds. In the case of polvorones, they also have lard.
In addition, they can be flavored to taste with any fruit, spice or aromatic herb. And if not, tell it to the great chefs and brands that tend to innovate more and more. There are even those without added sugars and vegan, made with vegetable drinks, if they have them.
In addition, in Spain we have the famous nougat from Jijona and Alicante, which bear the Protected Geographical Indication seal. Regarding polvorones, there is debate between who was the first to make them. We are talking about Estepa and Antequera. Still, they are places known for this dessert.
Origin of Christmas sweets
As early as the middle of the 16th century, nougat is referred to in historical manuscripts. Although they are typical of Spain, their origin is Arabic. However, in the time of Carlos V, the Spanish version of Alicante nougat began to be made.
On the contrary, mantecados appear in the 19th century. It seems that in Estepa and Antequera they were made to spend the surplus of butter and flour. Curiously, they became famous in 1844, but it was not until 1870 when they were marketed from Estepa, where the first factory dedicated to this sweet is located.
Almond and cinnamon polvorones, the Christmas sweets that you cannot miss
Did you know that polvorones are a type of ice cream but to which almond is added? Both have flour, sugar, lard and various aromas (cocoa, lemon, anise, cinnamon …). However, since virgin olive oil is so beneficial and is part of the Mediterranean diet, we suggest a version in which you can use it instead of butter. In addition, so everyone can enjoy them, including vegetarians and vegans.
Ingredients
- 150 g of flour.
- 70 g of olive oil.
- 50 g of ground almonds.
- 9 dates.
- Cinnamon to taste.
Elaboration
First of all, pit the dates and mash them. All followed, mix all the ingredients in a bowl until you get a uniform dough. Then let it sit covered with transparent paper for at least a couple of hours.
Once the resting time has passed, preheat the oven to 180ºC and shape them. Bake them for 15 minutes.
Puffed rice nougat, one of the children’s favorite Christmas sweets
Ingredients
- 150 g of 80-85% chocolate.
- 30 g of puffed rice.
- 120 g of ground almonds.
- 3-4 Medjool dates.
Elaboration
First, remove the pit from the dates and mash them. Mix them in a bowl with the ground almonds and rice. Then melt the chocolate in the microwave at 30-second intervals, making sure it doesn’t burn. Stir it and add it to the bowl.
Mix everything well and pour it into a silicone mold. If not, line the mold with greaseproof paper so you can easily unmold it. Place it on the top of the fridge until it hardens.
Coconut balls, one of the most desired Christmas sweets
Ingredients
- Grated coconut.
- Coconut oil.
- Dark chocolate 80-85%.
Elaboration
Mix the coconut oil at room temperature with the grated coconut until well combined. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour to be able to shape it. Next, melt the chocolate and bathe the balls, letting them rest until the chocolate hardens.
Chocolate and orange nougat
Ingredients
- 120 g of 80-90% chocolate.
- 10 g of coconut oil.
- 60 g of peanut or cashew butter.
- 1 orange
- Orange zest.
Elaboration
First, wash the orange and cut it into thin slices. All followed, place them on a baking tray and dehydrate them at 90ºC with air up and down for 3 hours.
When there are 2 or 3 minutes left until the oranges are finished, melt the chocolate with the coconut oil in the microwave in 30 second intervals, making sure that it does not burn.
Stir until blended and add the orange zest. In this way, it will enhance all the flavor. Add the peanut butter and mix until smooth.
Finally, pour it into a mold and decorate it with the orange slices on top. Let it rest for at least a couple of hours in the fridge.
As you have seen, they are very simple recipes, so we encourage you to try them. And finally, we remind you to spend a Christmas with your family enjoying and sharing good times.
