The Sicilian tradition of Viscotta dâ Zita, or Bride’s Biscuits, is closely tied to wedding festivities. These delightful cookies were often offered to guests, especially when grand receptions weren’t possible. Today, we’ll guide you in making these delicious treats at home.
Yields and Prep Times
- Serves: 8 people
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional values per serving of Viscotta dâ Zita (two cookies):
- Calories: 180-200 Kcal
- Fat: 10-12 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-22 g
- Sugars: 12-14 g
- Proteins: 2-3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Ingredients
Dough:
- 400 g all-purpose flour
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 65 g milk
- 300 g butter
Filling:
- 300 g almond flour
- 300 g powdered sugar
- 1/2 glass of water
- 25 g glucose
- 3 heaping tablespoons of jam
- 70 g butter
Chocolate glaze:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 30 g butter
Directions
- Dough Preparation: Begin by mixing powdered sugar and softened butter in a bowl. Gradually add milk to create a well-beaten, pale mixture. Sift the flour and incorporate it into the mixture, kneading until it forms a soft, compact dough.
- Cookie Formation: Prepare a pastry bag with a wide star-shaped tip and fill it with the dough. Line a baking tray with buttered parchment paper. Use the pastry bag to create cookies on the tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 20 minutes without convection.
- Filling: For the filling, combine almond flour, powdered sugar, glucose, water, and jam in a bowl. Knead until you have a soft mixture. Gradually add butter, continuing to work until the mixture is homogeneous
- Assembly of the Cookies: Fill the cookies “sandwich-style” with the prepared filling.
- Chocolate Glaze: Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a double boiler. Dip half of the cookies in the chocolate glaze and let them rest for a few hours before serving.
Wine Pairing
To enhance the flavors of your freshly baked Viscotta dâ Zita, consider pairing them with a glass of Delia Nivolelli Syrah Riserva, an excellent choice for Sicilian cookies. This still wine has an intense ruby color that can turn amber with age. Its slightly spicy aroma complements the almond notes in the cookies, while the slightly aromatic and sweet taste harmonizes well with their sweetness. Serve this wine at a temperature of 16-18°C (60-64°F) and consider decanting it before serving to enhance the tasting experience.
How to store Viscotta dâ Zita
- Storage in a cool, dry place: To maintain the freshness and fragrance of Viscotta dâ Zita, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or heat sources, which could cause a loss of texture and flavors.
- Use of airtight containers: It is advisable to store your biscuits in airtight containers or sealed glass jars. This will help prevent moisture and keep them crispy for longer. You can also add a small piece of parchment paper between the biscuits to prevent them from sticking together.
- Consume within a reasonable period: Although Viscotta dâ Zita can be stored for several weeks if properly sealed, it is best to consume them within a reasonable period to enjoy them at their freshest. Also, remember to store them away from strongly odorous foods that could affect their flavor.
Your Culinary Adventure with Ricette di Sicilia: Viscotta dâ Zita
In conclusion, Viscotta dâ Zita is an authentic delight of Sicilian tradition, rich in Mediterranean flavors and irresistible aromas.
Preparing it at home provides an opportunity to enjoy a unique cookie made with genuine ingredients and a love for traditional cuisine.
Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or snack, this Sicilian cookie will always be a hit.
Experiment with pairings and savor every bite of this dish that celebrates the best of Sicilian cuisine. Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it on your social channels and leave a comment below!
