Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup honey or vincotto
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, white wine, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the dough comes together.
Step 2: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Step 3: After the dough has rested, divide it into small pieces and roll each piece into a thin disc, about 1/16 of an inch thick.
Step 4: Cut the discs into long strips, about 1 inch wide. Take each strip and twist it around your index and middle fingers, creating a spiral shape that resembles a rose. Press the end of the strip against the rose to secure it in place.
Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat. Fry the cartellate, a few at a time, until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: In a small saucepan, heat the honey or vincotto until warm. Dip each cartellate into the warm honey or vincotto, coating them generously.
Step 7: Sprinkle the chopped toasted almonds over the honey-coated cartellate. Allow them to cool and the honey to set before serving.
Making traditional Cartellate Baresi may seem daunting at first, but with this step-by-step guide, you can easily recreate this delightful Italian pastry in your own kitchen. Whether you enjoy them during the holiday season or year-round, these fried treats are sure to impress your family and friends. So give it a try and savor the flavors of Italy with Cartellate Baresi!