Štramberské Uši - Czech Strawberry Ears

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (250g) fresh strawberries, hulled and diced 1 cup (250g) fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 23g, 9g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, mix together the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it becomes smooth. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, combine the diced strawberries and granulated sugar. Set aside.
6. 6.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Using a knife or a cookie cutter, cut out ear-shaped pieces from the dough.
7. 7.
   Place a small spoonful of the strawberry mixture onto the center of each ear-shaped piece of dough. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal.
8. 8.
   Transfer the filled pastries onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the pastries cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
10. 10.
    Serve the Štramberské Uši as a delightful treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Strawberries — Ensure the strawberries are ripe and sweet for the best flavor. If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use high-quality strawberry jam as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of lemon zest to the strawberry filling for extra flavor.
• Make sure the butter is cold when incorporating it into the dough to achieve a flaky texture.
• Dust the pastries with powdered sugar just before serving to enhance their appearance.

Serving advice

Serve the Štramberské Uši warm or at room temperature. They are perfect on their own as a sweet treat, but you can also accompany them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Štramberské Uši on a serving platter, dusted with a generous amount of powdered sugar. You can garnish the platter with fresh strawberries or mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.