Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- 2 tablespoons honey
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Slowly add the flour mixture to the stand mixer and mix until just combined.
7. Add the ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, orange zest, pistachios, and honey and mix until just combined.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
9. Using a pastry brush, brush the top of the dough with honey.
10. Cut the dough into 2-inch circles and place on the prepared baking sheet.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 cookies
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 140
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: Vegetable shortening or coconut oil
- Ricotta cheese: Cream cheese or Greek yogurt
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
- Orange zest: Lemon zest or lime zest
- Pistachios: Almonds or walnuts
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins
- Substitute the orange zest for 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Substitute the pistachios for 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
Tips and tricks:
- For a crispier cookie, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- For a softer cookie, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- For a sweeter cookie, add an additional 2 tablespoons of honey.
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 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the cookies on a platter with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.
Garnishes:
Chocolate shavings, chopped pistachios, or a drizzle of honey.
Pairings:
Pair with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a bowl of yogurt.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add an additional tablespoon of butter.
- If the dough is too wet, add an additional tablespoon of flour.
Food safety advice:
- Always use clean utensils and surfaces when preparing food.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 5 days.
Food history:
Cassatella di Sant'Agata is a traditional Sicilian cookie that is believed to have originated in the town of Sant'Agata di Militello in the late 1800s. The cookie is made with ricotta cheese, chocolate chips, and orange zest and is often served during the Christmas and Easter holidays.
Flavor profiles:
This cookie has a rich, buttery flavor with hints of orange, chocolate, and pistachio.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an after-dinner treat or as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
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Region: Italian