A Kossuth kifli története – angolul, szószedettel – … és természetesen a recept is

“Kossuth” Hungarian Lemon Walnut Crescents – Kossuth Kifli

A simple but special light buttery lemon sponge cakes with toasted sugary walnuts on top.

The name is paying homage to Lajos Kossuth, lawyer, journalist, politician, statesman and Governor-President of the Kingdom of Hungary during the revolution of 1848–49.

The story

The story goes that he spent a lot of time in Bratislava which was the hub of Hungarian political life and home of the parliament – now the capital of Slovakia. Here a restaurant frequented by the politicians had these cakes on the menu, a creation of the owner.  Kossuth became very fond of these little delicacies, so much so that the cakes got named after him.  The original recipe is somewhat debated in detail but this is the variety that became known as Kossuth Kifli.

Ingredients

380 gram (3.3 sticks) butter, room temperature

6 medium eggs, white and yolk separated

pinch of salt

420 gram (1.9 cups) caster sugar

420 gram (3.4 cups) plain or pastry flour, sifted

12 gram (2 teaspoons) baking powder

grated zestof 1 un-waxed lemon

juice of half a lemon

for the topping:

150g walnut chopped to fine crumbs

2 tablespoons of caster sugar

Method

Line a square cake pan (about 10×13 inch) with parchment paper or butter and dust with flour

Preheat oven to 180°C (325°F)

Beat the egg whites with the pinch of salt until stiff peaks form

In another bowl work the butter and sugar until whitened and fluffy

One by one add the egg yolks to the butter and sugar cream, then the lemon zest, with the juice of half a lemon.

Mix the sifted flour with the baking powder

Spoon by spoon gradually work in the beaten egg whites and the flour into the sugary butter. Try to retain the air bubbles in the egg white as much as possible

Pour the batter into the baking tray, spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Sprinkle with the chopped walnut and sugar.

Cook in the 180°C (325°F) oven until golden and cooked through, about 25-30 minutes

Let it cool completely, then with a round cookie cutter take out crescent shapes

Dust lightly with icing sugar to serve

Tips

– Chop the walnuts into smaller pieces than I did, it will be easier to cut out the crescent shapes.

– Could used almonds instead of walnuts

source(recipe and picture): the Hungarian Tidbits