...I must be demented!
I was totally forgetting that I KNOW a traditional cookie that is made here in Genoa during the Easter time... not just at Easter, but during Lent. Maybe this is the reason why I didn't consider them...they're supposed to be eaten to do penance as they're completely non-fat. The truth is, however, that they're absolutely yummy
This recipe is very ancient, and many years ago was diffused in all the Genovese families. Now, only some traditional and renowned pastry shops in town make those sweets and, of course, keep jealously their recipe! This is the one I have got.
QUAREXIMALI (Lent cookies)
Ingredients (serve 4)
10 oz almonds, shelled and peeled
6 oz white sugar
2 medium size egg whites
1/2 tbsp white wheat flour
Orange Blossom water
butter for the baking dish
Grind in the mortar (or in a food processor) the almonds with the sugar to a smooth paste. Slightly beat the egg whites and add them to the paste. Add also the flour and Orange blossom water. Work until very smooth. Roll up this dough until 1 cm thick. Cut into the traditional shapes:
-Rings
-Disks
-Lozenges
The size must be about 2 inches.
It's difficult to explain how they look and I haven't got a picture to attach here...they're usually decorated as follows:
-The rings with "finocchietti" (sugared anise seeds) or "granella di zucchero colorata" (colored sugar grains), don't know the correct translation but maybe you'll understand...
-The disks with colored sugar icing
-The lozenges are coupled two by two with some apricot jam.
Afterwards they're put on a buttered baking dish and slightly dried in the oven at 350° for few minutes...just the time to make them solid as they must remain soft inside.
The recipe seems very easy, but, like most "easy" things, it's difficult to get the best results. I must admit that I'm still trying...
Anyway, this is a curiosity and also an "historical" recipe, to celebrate our new board!
As for the "Easter in Italy" thread...thanks for the advice Athenaeus, and hope I'll have time enough during the next days!
Pongi
