Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Geraci Siculo Easter Dove Biscuits - The Hand-Decorated Sicilian Tradition
Discover the enchanting Easter dove biscuits of Geraci Siculo, a cherished Madonie speciality adorned by hand with white icing and delicate floral motifs.
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the dough
- ✓ 1 kg plain flour
- ✓ 3 eggs
- ✓ 350 g sugar
- ✓ Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- ✓ 250 ml milk
- ✓ 15 g baker’s ammonia
- ✓ 250 g lard
▸ For the icing
- ✓ 500 g plain flour
- ✓ 250 g icing sugar
- ✓ 2 egg whites
- ✓ Food colouring (for decorating)
📊 Nutritional Information
In the hilltop village of Geraci Siculo, tucked deep within the Madonie mountains, Easter brings with it a charming and uniquely local tradition: the agneddu pasquale, dove-shaped biscuits lovingly shaped, iced and painted by hand. These Sicilian beauties are as much a celebration of craftsmanship as they are of faith - bright white icing, soft pastel brushstrokes, and the unmistakable scent of lemon drifting through the kitchen. Preparing them at home feels like stepping momentarily into a slower, more contemplative Sicily, where Easter is welcomed with colour, sweetness and a generous dose of artistry. These delightful biscuits truly capture the soul of springtime on the island.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Sieve the flour onto a work surface and make a well in the centre. Add the sugar, lard, warm milk, lemon zest and eggs.
- 2
Dissolve the baker’s ammonia in two tablespoons of milk and add it to the mixture.
- 3
Work the dough until soft, smooth and well combined.
- 4
Roll it out to a thickness of 1–2 cm and cut out dove shapes using special moulds.
- 5
Arrange the *agneddi* on a baking tray lined with parchment and bake at 180°C for about 30 minutes until lightly golden.
- 6
Prepare the icing by whisking the egg whites, then gradually adding the icing sugar and flour to form a thick white cream.
- 7
Brush the biscuits with the icing and leave them to dry in the switched-off but still-warm oven.
- 8
When completely dry, decorate the doves with floral patterns using food colouring. Allow to dry fully before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
You can gently perfume the dough with vanilla or a hint of cinnamon. For a glossier icing, replace some of the flour with cornflour. Traditional decorations often include flowers, crosses and delicate Baroque-inspired motifs.
📦 Storage
- • Keep the biscuits in a metal tin for up to 1 month.
- • Store them in a cool, dry place away from humidity.
- • Avoid freezing, as it may compromise the texture of the icing.
🍷 Pairing
Serve these Sicilian dove biscuits with a glass of Menfi Late Harvest - a soft, sweet wine that complements the gentle lemon notes and delicate icing beautifully.
These dove-shaped Easter biscuits from Geraci Siculo are more than a festive treat - they are a tender expression of Sicilian devotion and artistry. Their elegant form, scented dough and hand-painted colours bring the joy of spring straight to the table. They’re a wonderful way to share a little tradition, and a lot of sweetness, with those you love.
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