Are you looking for the perfect Easter treat? I know the feeling- it’s not easy finding recipes that are both delicious and traditional! That’s why I want to introduce you to a special Maltese pastry called Figolli. This sweet confection combines rich buttery dough with a variety of fillings like candied peel, marzipan, or jam.
In this article, we’ll explore the history behind figolli and where they come from. We will go over all of the components that make up this classic pastry from ingredients to equipment needed. I’ll also share my own recipe passed down through generations so you can try making your own batch at home! By the end of our time together, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with these delightful treats along with newfound knowledge about its past. So let’s get started on bringing some traditional flavor into your festivities!
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figolli recipe
Ingredients:
For the dough:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Pinch of salt
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
For the filling and decoration:
– Almond paste or marzipan (store-bought or homemade)
– Food coloring (optional)
– Icing sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder. Mix well with your hands to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Adding the butter and eggs
Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips to rub it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This will help create a tender texture.
Next, crack in two large eggs and mix them into the crumbly mixture until a soft dough forms. If needed, you can add a little water or milk to bring everything together.
Step 3: Rolling out the dough
Dust your work surface with some flour and place a portion of the dough onto it. Using a rolling pin also dusted with flour, gently roll out the dough until it reaches approximately quarter-inch thickness.
Repeat this process with all portions of dough until you have multiple sheets ready for shaping.
Step 4: Shaping figolli
Now comes one of my favorite parts – shaping these adorable figolli! Take one sheet of rolled-out dough and using cookie cutters shaped like hearts or Easter symbols such as lambs or crosses*, cut out two identical shapes per figolla – these will be used as both top and bottom layers.
*Note: You can get creative with your shapes!
To make sure they don’t stick during baking, lightly dust each shape with flour and set them aside on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Step 5: Preparing the filling
For the filling, you have two options. The first is to use store-bought almond paste or marzipan, which can be easily rolled out with a rolling pin. Alternatively, you can make your own almond paste by combining ground almonds with powdered sugar and egg whites until it forms a pliable mixture.
If desired, add food coloring to your almond paste for extra vibrancy. Pastel colors work beautifully for Easter-themed figolli!
Step 6: Assembling the figolli
Take one of the cut-out dough shapes and gently spread an even layer of almond paste over it, leaving about half an inch border free from any filling.
Carefully place another identical shape on top of the filled one and press down around the edges to seal them together.
Repeat this process until all your figolli are assembled and ready for baking!
Step 7: Baking time!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Place the assembled figolli onto a parchment-lined baking tray – make sure they have some space between each other as they will slightly expand during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them as every oven varies in temperature!
Step 8: Finishing touches
Once removed from the oven, allow your freshly baked figolli to cool completely before proceeding with any decorations.
Using icing sugar, dust over each cooled figolla for that classic finishing touch! You can also get creative here by adding drizzles of melted chocolate or colorful sprinkles if desired.
Serve these delightful treats during Easter celebrations or simply enjoy them anytime throughout the year! They make great gifts too – just wrap them up nicely in festive packaging before gifting away. Enjoy!
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