Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Funciḍḍi di Buccheri: Irresistible Sicilian Christmas Biscuits with Almonds and Hazelnuts
Discover the charm of funciḍḍi di Buccheri, traditional festive biscuits packed with toasted almonds and hazelnuts – a perfect treat to delight your taste buds this Christmas.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 500 g almonds
- ✓ 500 g hazelnuts
- ✓ 650 g plain flour
- ✓ 650 g caster sugar
- ✓ 2 eggs
- ✓ a small glass of brandy
- ✓ zest of one orange
- ✓ zest of one mandarin
- ✓ orange juice
- ✓ butter
📊 Nutritional Information
Funciḍḍi di Buccheri are a beloved Sicilian Christmas treat hailing from the enchanting village of Buccheri, nestled in the province of Syracuse. These charming mushroom-shaped biscuits owe their unique crunch and rich flavour to toasted almonds and hazelnuts. Ideal for those cosy winter afternoons, they’re delicious served alongside a warming cup of tea or a glass of sweet Sicilian wine. Their inviting aroma and satisfying crunch make them a wonderful addition to your Christmas table, sure to impress guests with a genuine taste of Sicilian tradition.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Begin by toasting the almonds and hazelnuts until golden, then finely chop them.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts with the eggs.
- 3
Gradually stir in the sieved flour, caster sugar, orange and mandarin zest, a splash of orange juice, and the brandy.
- 4
Knead the mixture gently until you have a firm, uniform dough.
- 5
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter.
- 6
With slightly damp hands, shape the dough into small mushroom-like forms and arrange them on the tray.
- 7
Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C for about 10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- 8
Allow the biscuits to cool completely before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
Try swapping hazelnuts for walnuts to give a different nutty twist. For a brighter citrus note, use lemon zest instead of mandarin zest.
📦 Storage
- • Keep your funciḍḍi fresh by storing them in a tin for up to a month.
- • They freeze well in an airtight container – simply defrost when ready to enjoy.
- • Gently warm them in the oven at 150°C before serving to bring out their full flavour.
🍷 Pairing
Serve these Sicilian delights with a chilled glass of Moscato Passito from Pantelleria, ideally between 8 and 10°C, to complement the biscuits’ sweet and aromatic profile.
These funciḍḍi di Buccheri are not just biscuits; they’re a slice of Sicilian heritage wrapped in warmth and flavour. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making them at home — they’re straightforward, wonderfully tasty, and perfect for sharing with loved ones during the festive season. Whip up a batch, invite friends or family over, and watch as these little mushroom-shaped treats bring a touch of Sicily to your seasonal celebrations. Enjoy every bite and the stories they inspire!
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