Medni Kostanjevi Orehovi
Background
Medni Kostanjevi Orehovi, a delightful dessert originating from Slovenia, is cherished for its rich and sweet combination of honey and walnuts. With roots tracing back to traditional Slovene kitchens, this dish is a celebration of local ingredients. Historically, these honey walnut treats were prepared during festive occasions and family gatherings, cherished for their indulgent flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- Honey - 200 ml
- Walnuts - 300 g (finely chopped)
- All-purpose flour - 250 g
- Baking soda - 1 tsp
- Cinnamon - 1 tsp
- Ground cloves - 1/2 tsp
- Sugar - 100 g
- Butter - 120 g (melted)
- Eggs - 3
- Milk - 100 ml
- Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
- Pinch of salt
Preparation Time
The preparation of Medni Kostanjevi Orehovi is straightforward but requires attention to detail for the perfect texture and flavor. Plan for approximately 30 minutes of preparation time, followed by about 45 minutes cooking time.
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preparing the Walnuts
Start by finely chopping the walnuts. Ensure they are finely ground but with some texture to give a crunchy feel to the dessert. Set aside a handful of these chopped walnuts for topping later.
Step 2: Creating the Batter
In a large bowl, mix the honey and sugar until the sugar dissolves, forming a smooth mixture. Add the eggs one by one, beating thoroughly each time. Slowly incorporate the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Combine until the mixture is homogeneous.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
Step 4: Baking
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chopped walnuts over the mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Enjoying Medni Kostanjevi Orehovi
Serving Suggestions
Let the Medni Kostanjevi Orehovi cool down slightly before slicing. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy this dessert warm and fresh, savoring the aromatic blend of honey, spices, and the satisfying crunch of walnuts.
Storage
If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.