Kartainie Cepumi Flamingo - Delightful Layered Cookies

This recipe beautifully combines the subtle zing of lemon, the smoothness of almonds, and the warmth of vanilla to create a delightful layered cookie experience. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies promise satisfaction in every bite. The base layer provides a buttery foundation, enriched with the zest of lemon and a hint of vanilla. The top layer, with its airy meringue texture, is complemented by the richness of ground nuts and a fruity jam surprise. These cookies are both visually appealing and delectable, making them a great addition to any dessert table. The freshly prepared jam layer melds with the nutty top for a flavor harmony that's hard to resist. With a preparation time of just over an hour, these cookies are both manageable for a weeknight treat and impressive enough for guests. In the end, the slight crunch of the meringue and the smooth drizzle of chocolate glaze will leave everyone asking for more. Enjoy these sweet masterpieces with coffee, tea, or on their own!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 175 g flour
• 100 g butter
• 50 g sugar
• 1/2 lemon zest
• Pinch of vanilla sugar
• 2 egg yolks

Top Layer Ingredients:

• 3 egg whites
• 125 g sugar
• 40 g potato starch
• 100 g ground nuts or almonds
• Jam of your choice

Chocolate Glaze:

• Dark chocolate
• A splash of vegetable oil

Preparation Time

Total Time: 90 minutes (60 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Cream the Butter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Yolks: Mix in the egg yolks one at a time until fully incorporated.
3. Zest Lemon: Gently fold in the lemon zest, imparting a fresh citrus aroma.
4. Incorporate Flour: Sift the flour into the butter mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Chill the Dough: Form a dough ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
6. Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are covered.
7. Roll Out the Dough: After refrigeration, roll the dough to about half a centimeter thick.
8. Spread the Jam: Gently spread jam over the rolled dough, leaving a small border.
9. Beat Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks.
10. Add Sugar Slowly: Gradually add sugar to the whites, beating until stiff peaks form.
11. Combine Starch and Nuts: Gently fold in the potato starch and ground nuts into the meringue mixture.
12. Layer the Meringue: Spread the meringue evenly over the jam layer, smoothing with a spatula.
13. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
14. Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, checking around the edges for golden color.
15. Shape the Cookies: While still warm, use a cookie cutter to shape the cookies to your liking.
16. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
17. Prepare Chocolate Glaze: In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate and add a tiny amount of vegetable oil for the perfect shine.
18. Glaze the Cookies: Drizzle or dip the cooled cookies in the chocolate glaze.
19. Set the Glaze: Let the glaze set at room temperature or speed up the process in the fridge.
20. Enjoy: Serve these beauties once the glaze is firm to the touch.

Tips

• Butter: Always use unsalted butter for better control of the cookie's flavor.
• Extra Crunch: Add finely chopped nuts to the jam layer for extra texture.
• Potato Starch Substitute: If potato starch is unavailable, corn starch can serve as an alternative.
• Egg Whites: Ensure that no yolk mixes with the whites for the best meringue consistency.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Fats: 6g

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a blend of gluten-free flours instead of regular flour.
• Vegan Option: Substitute egg yolks with apple sauce and use aquafaba for the meringue.
• Flavor Profiles: Try swapping the nuts with coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

Serving Suggestions

• With Tea: Great alongside black tea or chamomile.
• Garnishes: Dust with powdered sugar for a professional look.
• Pairings: Serve with a side of berry compote or whipped cream for added indulgence.

Best Places

• La Patisserie Des Reves - Elegant patisserie offering exquisite pastries. Location: 93 Rue du Bac, Paris, France.
• Café Central – Historic Viennese café, perfect for classic desserts. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• The Connaught Patisserie – Luxurious sweets in a high-end setting. Location: Carlos Place, London, UK.
• Café Savoy - Renowned for a grand coffeehouse ambiance. Location: Vítězná 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
• Confectionery Bliss - Modern takes on classic delights. Location: 1020 1st Ave, New York City, USA.
• Gelarto Rosa – Offers beautifully made gelato and pastries. Location: Szent István tér 3, Budapest, Hungary.
• Café Gerbeaud - Combining tradition and innovation in Hungarian pastries. Location: Vörösmarty tér 7-8, Budapest, Hungary.
• Pâtisserie Stohrer - Historic bakery with charming sweets. Location: 51 Rue Montorgueil, Paris, France.
• Ladurée Paris - World-famous for its decadent macarons. Location: 16-18 Rue Royale, Paris, France.
• Tartine Bakery - Known for its pioneering sourdough confections. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.

This recipe for Kartainie Cepumi Flamingo offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Whether you are trying this for the first time or are an experienced baker, enjoy the process and the delicious rewards!