Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
- 2 cups dried cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup candied orange peel
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup chopped figs
- 1/2 cup chopped apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
Special Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until combined.
5. Add the almond extract and amaretto liqueur, and mix until combined.
6. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, and mix until just combined.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together the cherries, almonds, orange peel, dates, figs, apricots, walnuts, and raisins.
8. Add the fruit mixture to the dough and mix until just combined.
9. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
10. Cut the dough into 3-inch circles and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
12. In a small saucepan, heat the honey and brown sugar over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
13. Brush the cuccidati with the honey mixture and let cool before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 cuccidati
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 170
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: Can be substituted with vegan butter or coconut oil
- Amaretto liqueur: Can be substituted with orange juice or apple juice
- Dried cherries: Can be substituted with dried cranberries, raisins, or currants
- Almonds: Can be substituted with walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts
- Candied orange peel: Can be substituted with candied lemon peel or candied grapefruit peel
- Dates: Can be substituted with dried apricots or dried figs
- Figs: Can be substituted with dates or dried apricots
- Apricots: Can be substituted with dates or dried figs
- Walnuts: Can be substituted with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts
- Raisins: Can be substituted with dried cherries, cranberries, or currants
- Honey: Can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar
- Brown sugar: Can be substituted with granulated sugar
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate-cherry version.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a spiced version.
- Add 1/4 cup of orange juice to the dough for a citrus version.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to use softened butter for best results.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Let the cuccidati cool completely before brushing with the honey mixture.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the cuccidati on a platter and garnish with fresh cherries and chopped almonds.
Garnishes:
Fresh cherries and chopped almonds.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more amaretto liqueur.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Do not consume if the cuccidati are not cooked through.
Food History:
Cuccidati is an Italian cookie traditionally served during the Christmas season. The recipe dates back to the 16th century and is believed to have originated in Sicily.
Flavor Profiles:
The cuccidati have a sweet, nutty flavor with hints of almond and amaretto. The dried fruit adds a chewy texture and a hint of tartness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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Region: Italian