Ciambella Food

CIAMBELLA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Position a rack one above the center position. Spray the inside of a 9 or 10 inch bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, use a band mixer to beat together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy and pale in color, about 3 minutes. Add the olive oil, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla extract to the bowl and beat again on medium speed until smooth and combined. Add the flour, baking powder, salt and fennel seed to the liquid ingredients and beat on low speed until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out without and crumbs. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack and cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

LE CIAMBELLE: SEMI-HARD DOUGHNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the flour on a worktable. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the sugar, extra-virgin olive oil and wine. Combine together and knead until the mixture becomes an even dough. If necessary, add a little more flour to absorb all the liquids. Sprinkle a tablespoon of anise seeds on the dough and knead well. Sprinkle the rest of the anise seeds, and continue to knead so that the seeds are evenly distributed. Cut off a small amount of dough and roll into a 1/2-inch thick log. Cut the log into a 5-inch long piece. Then form a 'doughnut-like' shape by pinching opposite ends together. Repeat the above process with the remaining dough. Line a baking tray with cooking parchment paper and arrange the ciambelle, approximately 2 inches apart. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until golden brown.

CIAMBELLA DELLA NONNA - ITALIAN BREAKFAST CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven at 220°C (425.°F).
• Grease your mold (I use a ring-shaped one) and dust with four.
• Work all the ingredients (reserve the sugar for topping) with the kneading machine until smooth.
• Spread the batter in the mold.
• Top with sugar.
• Bake for 30 minutes at 220°C (425°F).

CIAMBELLA ORANGE ITALIAN CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F.
• Oil and then flour a bundt 10 inch pan.
• Sift flour, salt, and powder together.
• Beat eggs and the sugar until no grains are felt between the fingertips, about 7 minutes.
• Eggs and sugar should be doubled and very pale in colour.
• In thirds sprinkle flour over, and beat until just mixed, and alternating with the juice and oil.
• End with the flour.
• Pour into cake pan.
• Bake 40 minutes, until done.
• (s slight impression of your finger when touched>) Remove to wire rack, and cool.
• Tip out, cool.
• Sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar.

NONNA MARY'S CIAMBELLA

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F on the regular bake setting
• 2. Put the flour, sugar, milk, and 2 eggs in the bowl of a food processor. Add the baking powder and salt, taking care not to put one on top of the other or the salt may inhibit the action of the baking powder. Cut the butter into at least a dozen pieces. Add the butter and lemon zest to the other ingredients and pulse until a dough forms.
• 3. Transfer the dough to a counter and knead it gently until you obtain a smooth ball. Shape the dough into a loaf about 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. Place it on a baking sheet that has been buttered and floured or lined with a nonstick baking mat. Place the egg yolk in a small bowl. Add 2 teaspoons water, and whisk. Make 4 or 5 shallow diagonal cuts on top of the dough and brush the surface with the yolk mixture.
• 4. Bake for 35 minutes. The ciambella is ready when it is golden brown and feels fairly firm when prodded.