Very typical spanish sweet, probably the best known in the area, the Astorga mantecadas (city located at the west of Spain, near the border line with Portugal) stand out for their ease in making them and the economy of ingredients, apart from being contained in very characteristic rectangular papers that differentiate them from cupcakes. And for being very tasty, which is the main thing.
Tasting mantecadas with hot chocolate, which has also been very popular in Astorga for centuries, make a breakfast or snack a top moment of the day.
INGREDIENTS :
180 grams (6.3 oz) of wheat flour
120 grams (4.2 oz) of sugar
60 grams (2 oz) of clarified butter (or butter)
5 large eggs
Clarified butter is a very popular ingredient in the northwest of Spain, especially in León, Asturias and Galicia. This is clarified butter that is sold solidified. First I explain how to make clarified butter if you can't find it in your area, although you can use normal butter if you want something quick.
To clarify the butter and obtain butter, we melt about 100 grams (3.5 oz) in a small saucepan over low heat and let it rest. After a few minutes the melt will "sort" into three layers. The outermost one will be discarded by removing it by means of a slotted spoon. The following is the one that interests us (clarified butter) and will be separated by simple decantation. The last whitish color (serum) is removed without further ado. With 100 grams (3.5 oz) you get at least 60-70 grams (2-2.5 oz) . Weigh the amount you need for this recipe and reserve it, preventing it from solidifying by keeping it warm.
In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until they foam. Next we add the well-sifted flour without stopping to beat so that it integrates well.
Next we add the butter - or the melted butter if you have not wanted to do this step - that we have previously beaten well. This is important, the result is different without this previous churning of the butter. We continue beating with the rods (manual or electric) until obtaining a homogeneous mass.
We distribute the dough through the typical boxes - or use round cupcake papers, the taste does not change - or use rectangular silicone molds of about 5 or 6 centimeters (2-2.4 inches).
We preheat the oven to 230 degrees celsius (446 F) and bake 15 minutes or until we observe the well toasted surface.
You can dip them in the milk or take them alone, but if you want to follow my advice with melted chocolate you will understand what is Heaven on Earth.