Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Desirs Ericini Biscuits: Almond Delights from the Heart of Erice
Discover the Desirs Ericini biscuits, almond treats from Trapani’s convents in Erice, perfect for enjoying alongside a lovely sweet wine.
📖 What is it
Discover the Desirs Ericini biscuits, almond treats from Trapani’s convents in Erice, perfect for enjoying alongside a lovely sweet wine.
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the biscuits
- ✓ 450g peeled almonds
- ✓ 450g caster sugar
- ✓ 3 egg whites
- ✓ 1 tablespoon honey
- ✓ 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- ✓ water, as needed
▸ To decorate
- ✓ 1 whole almond per biscuit
📊 Nutritional Information
Step into the fragrant world of Erice with these golden, crisp Desirs Ericini biscuits, born from the rich convent traditions of Trapani. Making them at home invites you to be part of a centuries-old Sicilian sweet heritage, bringing an authentic taste of this enchanting land straight to your table.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Finely grind the almonds with the caster sugar until you achieve a smooth, flour-like texture.
- 2
Tip the mixture into a large bowl and add the egg whites, honey, and grated lemon zest.
- 3
Mix thoroughly until you have a soft, even dough.
- 4
Turn the dough out onto a sugar-dusted surface and roll it into a log about 3cm high.
- 5
Set aside a small portion of the dough for decoration.
- 6
Cut the remaining dough into 4cm lengths and shape each piece into slightly flattened balls.
- 7
Place the biscuits on a baking tray lined with parchment, spacing them about 2cm apart.
- 8
Work the reserved dough with a little water until it forms a smooth paste.
- 9
Put this paste into a piping bag and pipe a small swirl onto each biscuit, finishing with a whole almond pressed into the centre.
- 10
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 10 minutes, until the biscuits turn a lovely golden colour.
- 11
Allow them to cool completely before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a more intense aroma, try adding a few drops of almond extract or swap some of the lemon zest for orange zest.
- •
If you prefer a softer biscuit, reduce the baking time by a minute.
- •
For an extra touch of indulgence, dust the cooled biscuits with icing sugar.
📦 Storage
- • Store the biscuits in a well-sealed tin to keep them crisp for up to 5-6 days.
- • Keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat sources to preserve their texture.
- • To extend their shelf life, you can freeze them for up to a month; just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
🍷 Pairing
To complement the sweet, delicate almond flavour, serve these Desirs Ericini biscuits with a glass of Pantelleria’s zibibbo passito. Alternatively, a Moscato from Noto or a passito from Pantelleria are excellent Sicilian choices, while a Tuscan vin santo offers a refined national alternative.
You’ve just crafted a treat that captures the heart and sweetness of Erice — crisp on the outside, tender within. Ideal for sharing at cosy gatherings or finishing a meal with flair, these biscuits tell the story of Sicily’s most genuine flavours. Do give this recipe a go at home and share the joy with your loved ones — it’s a little slice of Sicilian sunshine worth spreading.
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