Cucidati...
Sicilian Fig Cookies
From... Ruggerio, David. Little Italy Cookbook. New York: Workman Publishing Company, Inc., 1997.
"I have a hunch this is where the idea for Fig Newtons originated, except that these are about a million times better. My aunt used to make these for holidays or special occasions, gift wrap them, and give them away."...D. Ruggerio.
Pastry
| 1 1/4 | Cups | Flour |
| 1 | Tsp. | Baking powder |
| 1/4 | Cup | Sugar |
| 1/4 | Cup | Butter, unsalted & cut into small pieces |
| 1 | Egg | |
| 1 | Tsp. | Orange zest - grated |
Filling
| 1/2 | Cup | Figs - dried & coarsely chopped |
| 1/2 | Cup | Currants - dries or dry cranberries |
| 1/4 | Cup | Raisins - dark & lightly chopped |
| 1/2 | Cup | Walnuts - coarsely chopped |
| 1 | Tbl. | Sugar - brown |
| 1 | Tsp. | Cocoa powder |
| 1/4 | Tsp. | Mace - ground |
| 1/8 | Tsp. | Cloves - ground |
| 1/8 | Tsp. | Cinnamon - ground |
| 2 | Tbl. | Orange zest - ground |
| 1/4 | Cup | Honey |
Pastry Preparation
Preheat the oven to 375° F.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour and the baking powder then combine with the sugar. Add the butter and cut in until the butter is incorporated with the flour. Once combined make a well and place the egg and zest in the well. Using your fingers, gradually mix the egg and flour together. Knead until you have a smooth dough. Divide the dough into thirds and roll each piece into a rectangle 1/4-inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap or wax paper and refrigerate.
Filling Preparation
In a large bowl, combine all of the filling ingredients. Mix together with a spoon or an electric mixer Oh low speed until they are well blended. Divide the mixture into thirds. Take the prepared pastry doughs out of the fridge-remove the plastic or wax paper, and spoon an equal portion of the filling onto each one. Roll as you would a jelly roll. Bake for 15 minutes Oh a greased cookie sheet until golden brown. Allow to cool, then cut the baked rolls into 2-inch-wide cookies and serve.
Last updated on:06/03/99 12:51:17 AM