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Abruzzese Calcionetti, also known as stuffed pastries, are traditional Italian treats that hail from the Abruzzo region. These delicious pastries are filled with a delightful combination of chocolate, almond paste, and Amaretti biscuits, and are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat after a meal. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making these delectable pastries in your own kitchen.
To begin, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 3 eggs
– ½ cup of sugar
– ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted
– ¼ cup of white wine
– ¼ teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the filling:
– ⅔ cup of chocolate chips
– ⅔ cup of almond paste, crumbled
– ⅓ cup of crushed Amaretti biscuits
– 3 tablespoons of honey
– 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
Now, let’s move on to the preparation:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, sugar, melted butter, white wine, salt, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the dough comes together.
2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
3. Divide the dough into two equal portions and cover them with a clean kitchen towel to give them some resting time for about 30 minutes.
4. While the dough is resting, let’s prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, combine the chocolate chips, crumbled almond paste, crushed Amaretti biscuits, honey, and cinnamon. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. Preheat your frying oil in a large, deep pot over medium heat. You want the oil to reach a temperature of around 350°F (175°C).
6. After the dough has rested, take one portion and roll it out into a thin sheet, about ⅛ inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles of approximately 3 inches in diameter.
7. Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal them firmly. You can use a fork to crimp the edges if desired.
8. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling until you have used them all.
9. Carefully place the filled pastries into the hot oil, a few at a time, and cook until they turn golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
10. Once cooked, transfer the pastries to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
11. Allow the Calcionetti to cool down before serving. You can dust them with powdered sugar if desired.
12. Enjoy your homemade Abruzzese Calcionetti!
These Calcionetti are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with the crisp fried dough and the rich, sweet filling. They also make for a wonderful homemade gift or a special treat for family gatherings and festive occasions. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and indulge in the delights of traditional Italian pastry-making with these delightful Abruzzese Calcionetti!
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