Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Erice Cuscinetti: Almond-Scented Sicilian Delights Steeped in Tradition
Discover the charm of Erice with cuscinetti ericini – traditional Sicilian almond pastries filled with zesty citron marmalade, a true taste of the island's heritage.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 450g peeled almonds
- ✓ 450g caster sugar
- ✓ 3 egg whites
- ✓ 1 tbsp honey
- ✓ 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
- ✓ 350g citron preserve
📊 Nutritional Information
If you have a soft spot for Sicilian sweets and want to bring a slice of Erice’s history to your table, these cuscinetti ericini are just the ticket. Soft almond dough cushions a luscious dollop of fragrant citron marmalade, carrying the essence of Sicilian citrus groves and centuries-old monastic recipes. Their gentle sweetness and unmistakable aroma will steal your heart with every bite.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Pulse the peeled almonds with the caster sugar in a food processor until you achieve a fine, fragrant almond flour.
- 2
Transfer to a bowl and gently fold in the egg whites, honey, and lemon zest.
- 3
Knead the mixture until it forms a soft, even dough, then turn it out onto a surface lightly dusted with caster sugar.
- 4
Shape the dough into a long roll and divide it into four equal portions. Roll each piece out with a rolling pin into ovals about 10cm wide and half a centimetre thick.
- 5
Spoon a generous line of citron preserve along the centre of each oval, then carefully roll up into a cylinder.
- 6
Gently flatten each roll and slice diagonally into 3cm-long pieces.
- 7
Lay them out on a baking tray lined with baking parchment and bake at 200°C (fan) for 15 minutes, or until golden and fragrant.
- 8
Leave the cuscinetti to cool completely before serving or storing.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a twist, swap the citron preserve for lemon or bitter orange marmalade for a more pronounced citrus kick. A dusting of icing sugar just before serving adds an elegant finishing touch.
📦 Storage
- • Store your cuscinetti ericini in a tin or airtight container.
- • They keep beautifully fresh for up to two weeks.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy these delicate almond treats alongside a glass of semi-dry Marsala – its amber notes and balanced sweetness make a perfect match for the pastries’ citrus and nutty flavours.
Why not bring a touch of Sicily’s enchanting past to your kitchen and try making cuscinetti ericini yourself? These little almond pillows are perfect for sharing with loved ones over a cup of tea or coffee, filling your home with a lovely citrus aroma that lingers long after the last crumb’s gone. Give it a go, and let the sweet spirit of Erice brighten your day!
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