Dolci > Dolci Italiani > Crostoli

Orange-Almond Crostoli Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for coating

Special Equipment Needed:
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, orange zest, vegetable oil, and cold water.
4. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until it is 1/4 inch thick.
6. Cut the dough into 1-inch strips and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Brush the strips with a little water and sprinkle with sliced almonds and 1/4 cup sugar.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Allow to cool before serving.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: Makes about 2 dozen crostoli

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 150
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
- For the vegetable oil, you can use melted butter or coconut oil.
- For the sliced almonds, you can use chopped walnuts or pecans.

Variations:
- For a sweeter version, add 1/4 cup of honey to the wet ingredients.
- For a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- For a savory version, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the dry ingredients.

Tips and Tricks:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
- For a crispier crostoli, brush the strips with melted butter before sprinkling with almonds and sugar.

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:
Serve on a platter with a bowl of orange slices for garnish.

Garnishes:
Orange slices

Pairings:
Pair with a glass of orange juice or sparkling wine.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a salad or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the crostoli are too soft, bake for a few minutes longer.
- If the crostoli are too crunchy, reduce the baking time.

Food Safety Advice:
Store in an airtight container and consume within 3 days.

Food History:
Crostoli is an Italian dessert that dates back to the 16th century. It is traditionally served during the Christmas season.

Flavor Profiles:
This recipe has a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of orange.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a dessert or a snack.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Citrusy, Nutty, Sweet, Crunchy