Date-Filled Cuccidati Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups chopped dates
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup dark raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel
- 1/2 cup chopped candied lemon peel
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheets
- Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and milk.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the dates, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, apricots, golden raisins, dark raisins, candied orange peel, candied lemon peel, honey, brandy, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Cut the dough into 3-inch circles and place 1 tablespoon of the date filling in the center of each circle.
9. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
10. Place the cuccidati on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 cuccidati

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: margarine or vegetable oil
- Milk: almond milk or coconut milk
- Dates: dried figs or prunes
- Walnuts: pecans or almonds
- Almonds: cashews or hazelnuts
- Hazelnuts: macadamia nuts or pistachios
- Apricots: dried cherries or cranberries
- Golden raisins: dark raisins or currants
- Dark raisins: golden raisins or currants
- Candied orange peel: candied lemon peel or candied ginger
- Candied lemon peel: candied orange peel or candied ginger
- Honey: agave nectar or maple syrup
- Brandy: rum or whiskey
- Orange juice: lemon juice or lime juice
- Lemon juice: orange juice or lime juice

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped dried apples to the filling
- Substitute the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
- Substitute the brandy with 1/4 cup of apple cider
- Substitute the orange juice and lemon juice with 1/4 cup of pineapple juice

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to roll out the dough evenly to ensure even baking.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the cuccidati on a platter with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.

Pairings:
Pair with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of coffee.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cuccidati are too dry, add a little more milk to the dough.
- If the cuccidati are too wet, add a little more flour to the dough.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Make sure to wash your hands before handling the dough.

Food History:
Cuccidati are a traditional Italian cookie that originated in Sicily. The cookies are often served during the holidays and are filled with a variety of dried fruits and nuts.

Flavor Profiles:
The cuccidati have a sweet and nutty flavor from the dates, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, apricots, raisins, candied orange peel, and candied lemon peel. The honey, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice add a hint of sweetness and the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add a hint of spice.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the cuccidati with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Spicy, Chewy, Fruity