The Sicilian ricotta cream pastry (Cassateddi Siciliani). Those delicious pastries baked or fried are well liked and are now prepared all year around.
The original recipe made with bread dough and stuffed with ricotta, honey and spices, has been slightly changed and updated to include some fat, alcohol and eggs, giving to the cassateddi the present characteristics of lightness and a distinctive taste very pleasant to the palate.
SERVING:
Makes: 12 Cassateddi, baked or fried
INGREDIENTS:
For the Filling
- 2 lb. ricotta
- 1 cup granulated sugar (7 oz.)
- 4 oz. chocolate chips
- 4 oz. diced preserved fruit (Zuccata)
- pinch of vanilla powder
- 1 drop cinnamon oil
- zest of 1 orange or 1 drop of orange extract
- small pinch of salt
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons of honey
- 4 oz. butter or 6 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 shots of cognac or vodka or ¼ cup of Marsala wine
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- small pinch of salt
- zest of 1 lemon
- water and extra flour if needed
For Cooking
- canola or corn oil for deep frying
- 2 eggs beaten with 4 tablespoons of milk for the egg-wash, if baking the cassateddi.
Video Recipe:
METHOD:
The Filling
- Mix all the ingredients to make filling. Filling should be of a nice consistency. If filling is too watery add some crumbs made of sponge cake or cookies.
The Dough
- Mix all ingredients to make dough and knead for 4-5 minutes. Dough should be smooth and more consistent of bread or pizza dough.
- Add some water if the dough is too hard to knead or some flour if needed.
- Cover and rest dough for 20/30 minutes.
- Divide the dough in 4 pieces, and divide each piece into 6 pieces, shape into balls.
The Cassateddi
- Roll each piece of dough with a rolling pin to 1/8 inch, giving an elliptical shape.
- In the center of each piece, place 1 teaspoon of filling, and pull over the stuffed dough the long way, in the shape of a half moon, press down on the borders, making sure they are properly sealed to avoid the filling from leaking.
- Place them in a greased baking sheet. When you have prepared all the cassatelle proceed with the cooking.
The Frying
- Over a medium heat, deep fry the cassatelle and turn until golden on both sides. Transfer to a dish covered with paper towels to drain.
- Sprinkle with granulated sugar or honey and serve hot or cold.
The Baking
- Egg wash the cassateddi and bake at 375 degrees, until golden color.
- Sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar or honey, serve hot or cold.
Buon Mangiata!
Meet Anita Augello – The woman behind all of these Italian favorites.
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