The ricciarelli they were born in Tuscany, in the Valdichiana Senese area; together with Panforte and Cavallucci they are the typical desserts of the Christmas period even if in fact they are consumed throughout the year. Ricciarelli are made with ingredients such as finely chopped almonds, sugar, egg white and flavored with almond and vanilla flavouring. The pasta obtained with these ingredients is then shaped into the shape of small oblong biscuits, often slightly flattened on top. Before cooking, the ricciarelli are covered in icing sugar so that, once cooked, they take on the typical slightly cracked structure, typical of these biscuits. The end result is a sweet, tender and slightly crunchy on the outside, with a rich almond flavor. The shape and consistency of ricciarelli may vary slightly depending on local tradition or the specific recipe used.

Preparation

1

Start by placing the almond flour and 100g of sugar in a bowl. She peels the oranges, avoiding the white part, and blends the peels with 60 g of sugar.

2

2.Add the orange mixture and the vial of almond flavoring to the flour, mixing well.

3

Prepare a syrup: dissolve 40 g of sugar and water over low heat. Sift 20 g of icing sugar and 20 g of flour.

4

Add the syrup to the bowl along with the powdered sugar and flour mix; also add the yeast and ammonia. The dough will be very moist and grainy; don’t worry, that’s how it should be. Cover it and let it rest in a cool, dry place for 12 hours.

5

After resting, lightly whip the egg whites until small bubbles begin to form; at this point add them to the mixture. Start kneading by hand until you obtain a compact consistency.

6

Dust the work surface with icing sugar, divide the dough into four parts and shape into large salamis.

7

Cut slices about 1 cm thick and using your hands try to give them a rhombus or teardrop shape. Pour the cornstarch into a small bowl and the remaining icing sugar into another bowl.

8

Take a ricciarello and dip the base in corn starch and the surface in icing sugar. Repeat the operation with all the others. As they are ready, arrange them on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake at 180°C for 10/20 minutes, until cracks form on the surface. At this point take them out of the oven; they will be a little soggy but that’s how they should be. Once cooled they will take on the right consistency.

Advice

Use organic orange peel to avoid pesticides or chemicals. Be sure to avoid the bitter white part when preparing. For the cocoa version, add 40 g of previously sifted cocoa to the mixture. Rest time is key; let the dough rest for at least 12 hours. This allows the ingredients to mix well, developing the flavors and ensuring an optimal consistency. When forming and cutting the ricciarelli, use icing sugar to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands. Make sure to give the ricciarelli a uniform shape for even cooking.

storage

Store ricciarelli in a cool, dry place, well protected in an airtight container. Avoid exposing them to too high temperatures or humid places, as this could compromise their texture and freshness. Ricciarelli are best when fresh. Try to consume them within a week. If you want to keep the ricciarelli for a longer period, you can freeze them. Wrap them carefully in cling film and place them in a freezer bag. Then defrost gradually at room temperature or in the oven.

History of the ricciarelli

Their history has its roots in the 14th century, when, according to legend, they decorated the tables of the noble courts during the Christmas holidays. This delicacy, jealously guarded and handed down from generation to generation, has transformed over time into an authentic classic of Tuscan tables, especially during the Christmas period. The legend adds a touch of romanticism to the history of the Ricciarelli, attributing its introduction to the knight Ricciardetto Della Gherardesca. It is said that, upon returning from the Crusades, he brought these sweets to his castle near Volterra, taking inspiration from Middle Eastern shoes with curled toes, hence the name “ricciarelli”. However, history is an intricate tangle of facts and legends, and the true origin of these sweets remains shrouded in mystery. What is certain is that the “Ricciarelli di Siena” have deep roots, linked to Marzipan, a sweet made from almonds and sugar popular in Siena in the 15th century. Marzapani and Marzapanetti, with their delicacy intended for an elite audience, were the precursors of these Christmas delicacies, sold in the shops of Sienese apothecaries, ancient pharmacies of the past. The origins of the Ricciarelli are intertwined with the history of Marzipan, creating a timeless bond with the gastronomic traditions of Siena. History and legends aside, the fact is that Ricciarelli are among the Christmas desserts par excellence that cannot be missing from Tuscan tables; Well packaged, placed in trays and protected by a sheet of cellophane to preserve their freshness, they will certainly be a welcome homemade Christmas gift to offer to your loved ones.