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Erice Mustazzoli: Sicilian Spice Biscuits Bursting with Almonds

Erice Mustazzoli: Sicilian Spice Biscuits Bursting with Almonds

Delve into the enchanting world of Erice mustazzoli, crisp Sicilian biscuits rich with warming spices and toasted almonds – simply irresistible alongside a glass of sweet wine.

⏱️
Prep Time
About 30 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
Around 20 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 10
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Budget-friendly
🗓️ All year round
4.9/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 360g semolina flour
  • 180g plain flour
  • 220g caster sugar
  • 150ml warm water
  • 20g peeled and toasted almonds
  • 8g baking ammonia (for baking)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
280 kcal
Protein
6 g
Fat
7 g
Carbohydrates
50 g
Fiber
2 g
Sugars
22 g

If you adore the genuine flavours of Sicily, these Erice mustazzoli are a must-try. These spiced, crunchy biscuits carry the scent of cinnamon and cloves, whisking you away through the cobbled streets of Erice and the gentle hills of Trapani. A true taste of history, full of convent-born charm.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Dissolve the caster sugar and baking ammonia in the warm water.

  2. 2

    Finely grind the toasted almonds to make a almond flour, then combine with the semolina, plain flour, cinnamon, and cloves.

  3. 3

    Heap the mixture into a mound on your work surface, creating a well in the centre, then pour in the water mixture.

  4. 4

    Knead until you have a soft, smooth dough, then cover with a cloth and leave to rest for an hour.

  5. 5

    Roll pieces of dough into roughly 10cm-long, 2cm-thick sticks, flatten them gently, then score diamond patterns on top.

  6. 6

    Place the biscuits on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper, leaving a little space between each.

  7. 7

    Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (fan 200°C, gas mark 7) for about 20 minutes, until golden and fragrant.

  8. 8

    Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes, then return to the switched-off oven to dry out fully.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a lovely twist, add some freshly grated orange zest or a spoonful of honey to the dough for a deeper fragrance. If you prefer softer biscuits, reduce the final drying time slightly.

📦 Storage

  • Keep your mustazzoli in a tin biscuit barrel for up to a month.
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat.
  • Alternatively, wrap them in cotton bags to maintain crispness.
  • Avoid refrigerating them, as the moisture will soften the biscuits.

🍷 Pairing

Serve these Erice mustazzoli with a chilled glass of Moscato di Pantelleria Naturale; its sweet, aromatic notes beautifully complement the warming spices.

Why not give these charming Sicilian biscuits a whirl? With their inviting spice notes and delightful crunch, they’re perfect for sharing over a cosy afternoon tea or alongside a glass of something sweet. Invite your loved ones, savour every bite, and let a little bit of Sicilian sunshine brighten up your day.

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