Ingredients with Measurements:
-2 cups all-purpose flour
-3 tablespoons sugar
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
-1/4 cup cold water
-1 large egg
-1/2 cup dried cranberries
-1/2 cup diced apples
-1/4 cup honey
-1/4 cup chopped walnuts
-1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
Special Equipment Needed:
-Pastry blender
-Rolling pin
-Baking sheet
-Parchment paper
-Cookie cutter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add cold water and egg, stirring until dough comes together.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Cut dough into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
7. Place cutouts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine cranberries, apples, honey, and walnuts.
10. Cook over medium heat until apples are softened, about 5 minutes.
11. Remove from heat and let cool.
12. Once crostoli are cooled, spread with apple-cranberry mixture and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.
Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 crostoli
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 140
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
-Butter: Can be substituted with vegan butter or margarine
-Dried cranberries: Can be substituted with raisins or dried cherries
-Apples: Can be substituted with pears or peaches
-Walnuts: Can be substituted with almonds or cashews
Variations:
-Can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough
-Can add a teaspoon of ground ginger to the dough
-Can use different shapes of cookie cutters
-Can add a tablespoon of orange zest to the apple-cranberry mixture
Tips and Tricks:
-Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling out for best results
-Roll dough out between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking
-Make sure to cook the apple-cranberry mixture until apples are softened
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
-Arrange crostoli on a platter and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar
-Serve with a dollop of whipped cream
Garnishes:
-Sprinkle with chopped walnuts
-Drizzle with honey
Pairings:
-Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee
-Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Suggested Side Dishes:
-Fruit salad
-Yogurt parfait
Troubleshooting Advice:
-If dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until desired consistency is reached
-If dough is too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until desired consistency is reached
Food Safety Advice:
-Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired
-Wash hands and all utensils before and after handling food
Food History:
Crostoli is an Italian dessert that dates back to the 16th century. It is traditionally made with a sweet dough that is cut into strips and fried in oil.
Flavor Profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and fruity.
Serving Suggestions:
-Serve as an after-dinner dessert
-Serve as a snack with a cup of tea
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