Yemas de Santa Teresa: An Authentic Festive Dessert Delight
Yemas de Santa Teresa is a delicious Spanish sweet treat that is made from egg yolks and sugar. It's a popular confection, especially during the Christmas season. Here's a recipe for Yemas de Santa Teresa:
Ingredients
For the Yemas:
- 12 Egg yolks
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- ¼ cup Water
- ½ tsp Lemon zest optional
- ½ tsp Vanilla extract optional
For the Coating:
- Granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until they are well combined. Set them aside.
- In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. You can add lemon zest or vanilla extract at this stage for flavor if desired.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. You can use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. You want the syrup to reach the soft ball stage, which is around 235-240°F (113-116°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into a bowl of cold water. It should form a soft ball that you can easily flatten with your fingers.
- When the syrup reaches the soft ball stage, remove it from the heat immediately.
- While the syrup is still hot, gradually pour it into the bowl with the egg yolks, stirring constantly. Be careful not to cook the egg yolks. Continue to mix until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Once the mixture is smooth, let it cool for a few minutes until it is safe to handle.
- Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls or oval shapes, similar to the size of a yolk. You can grease your hands with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Roll each yema in granulated sugar to coat it thoroughly. Place the coated yemas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Let the Yemas de Santa Teresa cool and set at room temperature for several hours or overnight. They will become firm and less sticky.
- Once they are set, you can transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
Yemas de Santa Teresa are traditionally served as a sweet treat during the Christmas season in Spain, but you can enjoy them any time of the year. They make a lovely homemade gift as well. Enjoy!