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Rame di Napoli: Delightful Chocolate-Centred Biscuits for All Souls’ Day

Rame di Napoli: Delightful Chocolate-Centred Biscuits for All Souls’ Day

📖 What is it

Discover the Rame di Napoli, soft Sicilian cocoa and chocolate biscuits traditionally baked to honour All Souls’ Day.

⏱️
Prep Time
about 35 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 20 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Moderate
🗓️ Autumn
4.9/5

🛒 Ingredients

For the biscuits

  • 500g plain flour
  • 200ml milk
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 100g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 100g crushed shortbread biscuits
  • 75g lard
  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 15g ground cinnamon
  • 10g baking ammonia (or ammonium bicarbonate)
  • just under 1 teaspoon ground cloves

For the topping

  • 300g dark chocolate
  • 75g unsalted butter
  • pistachio pieces

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
410 kcal
Protein
7 g
Fat
20 g
Carbohydrates
50 g
Fiber
3 g
Sugars
30 g

If you’re after a pud that’s steeped in tradition and warmth, give Rame di Napoli a go. These soft chocolate biscuits, hailing from Catania and linked to All Souls’ Day, carry a story woven with memories and sweetness. Their gently spiced dough and glossy dark chocolate glaze make every bite utterly irresistible.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, spices, marmalade, crushed biscuits, cocoa, honey, melted lard and butter over a bain-marie.

  2. 2

    Gradually sift in the flour, then add the baking ammonia and milk, mixing until you get a smooth, soft dough.

  3. 3

    Cover with a cloth and let the dough rest for about an hour.

  4. 4

    Spoon dollops of the mixture onto a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper, shaping them into ovals and spacing them about 3cm apart.

  5. 5

    Bake at 160°C for 20 minutes until the biscuits have risen and are slightly firm to the touch.

  6. 6

    Melt the dark chocolate with the butter over a bain-marie and stir until you have a silky glaze.

  7. 7

    Spread the glaze generously over the cooled biscuits and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

  8. 8

    Allow the glaze to set completely before serving.

💡 Tips and Variations

For an extra fragrant twist, try adding a tablespoon of orange liqueur or rum to the dough. If you like contrasting flavours, swap the orange marmalade for fig or cherry jam.

📦 Storage

  • Store the Rame di Napoli in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Avoid stacking them until the chocolate glaze has fully set.
  • You can freeze the biscuits without glaze for up to a month and add the topping after thawing.
  • Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from any heat.

🍷 Pairing

Serve these delightful biscuits alongside a glass of semi-dry Marsala — its mellow, aromatic notes beautifully complement the chocolate and spices.

Give these charming Rame di Napoli a try at home and enjoy a true taste of Sicilian tradition. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones over a cosy cuppa or as a sweet end to a family meal. You’ll find their comforting flavours and tender texture simply irresistible — do make some and spread the joy!

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