Another Christmas treat – once again from Finland – decided to fill the kitchen this morning. Joulutortut, or Christmas stars, are pastries with plum jam that seem to go well with almost everything. Despite the large production line, eating them only took a matter of minutes. At least it seemed that way afterward.
To make the jam (for the filling) :
100 ml pitted prunes (dried plums)
100 ml water
50 ml vanilla sugar
pinch cinnamon
Soak the prunes well (overnight if you have time), add the sugar, water and spice and bring to the boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 mins.
The pastries themselves are simply sheets of puff cut into 9 equal squares. Cut a Maltese cross into each square (the pictures here will show you what I mean) and put a spoonful of jam in the centre. Fold the corners in to the centre (making the star shapes), brush with a little milk and pop into the oven at about 225° for 10 minutes or so.
Be warned – make a large batch. These are great for snacks.
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Cheers.
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