Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Lercara Friddi Slippers: Traditional Sicilian Almond and Candied Fruit Christmas Treats
Whip up these delightful Sicilian pastizzotti filled with toasted almonds and vibrant candied fruit – crisp, fragrant, and perfect for the festive season!
📖 What is it
Whip up these delightful Sicilian pastizzotti filled with toasted almonds and vibrant candied fruit – crisp, fragrant, and perfect for the festive season!
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the shortcrust pastry
- ✓ 300g plain wheat flour (Maiorca variety)
- ✓ 200g finely milled durum wheat semolina
- ✓ 150g caster sugar
- ✓ 150g lard
- ✓ 1 whole egg
- ✓ 1 egg yolk
- ✓ 50ml Malvasia wine
- ✓ 1 sachet vanilla powder
- ✓ 12g baking ammonia
- ✓ milk as needed
▸ For the filling
- ✓ 500g peeled and toasted almonds
- ✓ 350g caster sugar
- ✓ 300ml water
- ✓ zest of one organic orange, finely grated
- ✓ 30g candied orange peel
- ✓ 30g candied citron peel
- ✓ 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
▸ For the glaze
- ✓ 250g icing sugar
- ✓ 1 egg white, whisked to soft peaks
- ✓ juice and zest of half an organic lemon
📊 Nutritional Information
Step into the heart of Sicily with the Lercara Friddi slippers, a traditional festive bake steeped in family stories and celebration. These crumbly pastries, bursting with a rich almond and candied fruit filling, carry the zesty scents of citrus and the warm nostalgia of Christmas, bringing a slice of island heritage to your table to savour slowly.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
In a saucepan, combine the chopped almonds, water, and sugar; cook gently for about 15 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes fragrant.
- 2
Stir in the orange zest, then allow to cool before folding in the candied peel and orange marmalade. Cover with cling film and chill overnight.
- 3
To make the pastry, mix the lard, sugar, flours, and vanilla powder together; add the eggs, Malvasia wine, and baking ammonia. Gradually add milk until you have a soft, smooth dough.
- 4
Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
- 5
Roll out the pastry to about half a centimetre thick and cut into discs roughly 10cm across.
- 6
Place a spoonful of filling in the centre of each disc, then fold over into a half-moon shape, sealing the edges well.
- 7
Gently pinch the ends to create the signature slipper shape and arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- 8
Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C for 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
- 9
Mix the icing sugar, egg white, lemon juice, and zest to make the glaze, brush it over the warm pastries, and leave to set.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an extra indulgent twist, try adding dark chocolate flakes or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios to the filling for a lovely contrast in texture and flavour.
- •
If you prefer a shinier finish, swap some of the icing sugar in the glaze for a drizzle of honey, which adds a beautiful gloss and subtle aromatic note.
- •
Use a small round cutter to ensure your pastries have a neat, uniform shape – it really makes a difference.
- •
To enhance the depth of flavour, add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of natural vanilla to the filling; these spices complement the almonds without overpowering them.
- •
For a vegan version, replace the lard with plant-based margarine and use a flaxseed 'egg' (ground flaxseed mixed with water) instead of eggs.
- •
Remember, slow and even baking is key to keeping the pastry crisp while the filling stays soft and luscious.
📦 Storage
- • Store the slippers in an airtight tin or glass container to keep their lovely aroma intact.
- • Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from moisture, which can soften the pastry.
- • Enjoy within a month to appreciate their freshness and perfect texture.
🍷 Pairing
To complement the sweetness and richness of these slippers, a Moscato Passito from Pantelleria is a splendid choice, with its honeyed notes and candied fruit nuances echoing the filling beautifully. Alternatively, a Malvasia Passito from the Lipari Islands or a sweet Sicilian Zibibbo offers equally refined pairings. For something from the mainland, a Tuscan Vin Santo or a Valpolicella Recioto would also make excellent companions to this festive treat.
Making Lercara Friddi slippers at home is like inviting a little piece of Sicilian Christmas tradition into your kitchen. Their crisp pastry and sweet, fragrant heart make them perfect for sharing joyful moments with loved ones. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go and spread the festive cheer by sharing these delightful treats with family and friends – it’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of Sicily to your celebrations.
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