The Picciddati (Christmas Figs Cake)

The Picciddati or Christmas Figs cake. This traditional Sicilian Christmas dessert is filled with dried figs, almonds and walnuts.

INGREDIENTS:

METHOD:

1. In a cup, mix the yeast with a little warm water.
2. Let rest for 5 minutes, then stir in the flour.
3. Eventually, add a little more water and knead the bread actively until you have a smooth, uniform dough.
4. Then, let the dough rise in a warm, dry place for a couple of hours.
5. In the meantime, soak the raisins in a cup of warm water to soften.
6. Once soft, drain them and transfer them to a bowl with the nuts, dried figs and almonds, all previously chopped finely.
7. Add a little cinnamon powder.
8. Then, stir in the honey and transfer everything into a pot.
9. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly.
10. Then remove from the heat and let cool.
11. Once the dough has risen, roll it out using a rolling pin or pasta machine.
12. You are looking to make 2 inch wide and 1/10 inch thick sheets.
13. Once the filling is cool, shape it into 1 ½ inch wide logs.
14. Place the filling on a sheet of dough and bring together the edges of the dough, wrapping the filling.
15. Then cut 8 inch long pieces and bring the ends of each piece together, forming a ring.
16. Use the tip of a knife to puncture the dough so that the hot air can escape during cooking.
17. Brush the dough with beaten egg yolks.
18. Place the rings on a baking sheet greased with butter or lined with parchment paper.
19. Bake in a 275° F oven for 30 minutes or until golden.
20. The “picciddati” can be serve both hot or at room-temperature.

Source and picture: Academia Barilla

BUON MANGIATA! 

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