Saccottini Pugliesi Pugliese Sandwich Cookies Food

ITALIAN SANDWICH COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a mixer on medium speed, cream together the butter, sugar and salt until very fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the vanilla and eggs and continue to beat very well for an additional 4 minutes, scraping down the sides at least once. Turn the mixer on low speed and add the flour and baking powder, and mix until just combined.
• Put the dough into a pastry bag or cookie press fitted with a star tip. On an ungreased cookie sheet, pipe cookies in 2-inch lines, spaced at least 1 inch apart. Place in the freezer for 5 minutes (this will help them retain their shape when baking).
• Bake until golden brown, 15 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheets 3 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Spread a little more than half a teaspoon of jam on half of the cookies, then top with the remaining cookies to make sandwiches. Place in the freezer for another 5 minutes to help set while you prepare the chocolate.
• Toss together the chocolate and the oil and place in a microwave-safe mug. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring occasionally, until completely melted. Put the rainbow sprinkles onto a plate.
• Working quickly, dip the cookies halfway into the chocolate, then roll in the sprinkles. Place finished cookies on a tray lined with either wax or parchment paper to set completely. Cookies will keep in an airtight container for about 1 week.

SACCOTTINI PUGLIESI (PUGLIESE SANDWICH COOKIES)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F In a food processor or blender, purée the chickpeas with the honey, cocoa powder, cinnamon and salt. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the pine nuts.
• On a lightly floured work surface, lay out the puff pastry sheets. Using a 1½ inch round cookie cutter, cut out 64 rounds. Place a teaspoonful of filling in the center of half of the rounds. Sandwich with remaining rounds.
• Using your fingers, gently press the edges of the rounds together to seal in the filling (as cookies bake, parts of the edges will open). Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using the tines of a fork, prick the tops. Brush tops with the egg and bake until golden, about 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

ITALIAN SAVORY STUFFED PUFF PASTRY POCKETS

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 400F (200C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll out the rectangular sheet of puff pastry and gently roll a couple of time to smooth it out. Cut it lengthwise down the middle, then cut into three even parts. There will be 6 small rectangles.
• The top part of every rectangle, place a slice of prosciutto, 3 or 4 very thin slices of potato and a slice of cheese, be sure to leave a 1/4 inch border. Fold the bottom half over the top, gently seal the edges with your fingers, then seal shut with the tongs of a fork, dip the fork in a water while sealing.
• Make 3-4 small slits on the top of each envelope with a very sharp knife or scissors. Place the pockets on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden. If they start to brown too quickly cover the pockets with a sheet of foil and continue baking. Immediately place on a wire race, and let cool about one minute, then serve.

SACCOTTINI STUFFED WITH PESTO AND SERVED WITH PRIMAVERA SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large pot of boiling water, sprinkle ½ a teaspoon of salt. Throw in the saccottinis. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, and then drain the pasta.
• In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Deglaze with the white wine. Add the O'Sole Mio Napolitana sauce. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
• Add the pasta to the sauce. Stir well and serve. Decorate with a basil leave and some grated Parmesan. More quick and easy recipes can be found at www.osolemio.ca.