Sicilian Ravazzate

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Introduction:
Sicilian Ravazzate is a traditional sweet treat hailing from the sunny island of Sicily, Italy. These delightful pastries are a true testament to Sicilian culinary craftsmanship, boasting a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these ravazzate are filled with a delicious mixture of raisins, nuts, chocolate, and citrus zest, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that will transport you to the Mediterranean with every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup raisins, soaked in warm water and drained
  • 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup orange marmalade
  • 1/4 cup rum (optional)

For Glazing:

  • 1/4 cup apricot jam
  • 1 tablespoon water

Optional Additions:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Additional chopped nuts for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until creamy and well combined.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Stir in the lemon zest, orange zest, and milk.
  • Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
  • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

2. Prepare the Filling:

  • In a separate bowl, combine the soaked and drained raisins, chopped almonds, chopped walnuts, chopped dark chocolate, lemon zest, orange zest, honey, orange marmalade, and rum (if using). Mix until well combined.

3. Assemble the Ravazzate:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into small portions, about the size of a golf ball.
  • Flatten each portion of dough into a disc and place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center.
  • Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to enclose it completely, forming a ball shape.
  • Place the filled ravazzate on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.

4. Bake the Ravazzate:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the ravazzate are golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Glaze the Ravazzate:

  • In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam and water over low heat until melted and smooth.
  • Brush the warm glaze over the cooled ravazzate to give them a glossy finish.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

  • Once the glaze has set, transfer the ravazzate to a serving platter.
  • Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with additional chopped nuts if desired.
  • Serve at room temperature and enjoy the delicious flavors of Sicilian Ravazzate with a cup of espresso or your favorite Italian dessert wine.

Tips for Success:

  • Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the dough to achieve the right texture.
  • Soak the raisins in warm water for about 15 minutes to plump them up before using.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the filling according to your preference by adding more or less honey and orange marmalade.

Recommendation:
Sicilian Ravazzate are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Serve them as a delightful snack or dessert for your next gathering, and watch as they disappear quickly amidst rave reviews. These ravazzate are a true taste of Sicily, bringing the warmth and flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Buon appetito!

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