Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Viscotta dâ Zita: Sicily’s Traditional Bridal Biscuits
Discover the Viscotta dâ Zita - Sicily’s cherished bridal biscuits, a symbol of celebration and sweet good wishes.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 400 g Italian 00 flour
- ✓ 150 g icing sugar
- ✓ 65 g milk
- ✓ 300 g butter
- ✓ 300 g almond flour
- ✓ 300 g icing sugar
- ✓ ½ glass water
- ✓ 25 g glucose
- ✓ 3 scant tablespoons jam
- ✓ 70 g butter
- ✓ 100 g dark chocolate
- ✓ 30 g butter
📊 Nutritional Information
Viscotta dâ zita - often called “bridal biscuits” - are one of Sicily’s most charming and symbolic wedding sweets. These delicate biscuits are traditionally prepared to celebrate a bride, shared among friends and family as a gesture of joy, love and good fortune.
Picture the scent of almonds, warm butter and melted chocolate drifting through the kitchen. It’s the kind of aroma that signals celebration, gathering, and the unmistakable warmth of Sicilian hospitality.
Enjoyed all year round and especially delightful with a chilled glass of Moscato di Noto, these biscuits offer a delicious glimpse into the island’s culinary traditions.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
In a bowl, cream together the icing sugar and softened butter. Add the milk gradually, whisking until pale and fluffy. Sift in the flour and mix until you have a soft, smooth dough.
- 2
Fit a piping bag with a large star nozzle and fill it with the dough. Line a baking tray with buttered parchment paper. Pipe the biscuits onto the tray and bake at 180°C (no fan) for about 20 minutes. Leave to cool completely.
- 3
For the filling, mix the almond flour, icing sugar, glucose, water and jam until soft and smooth. Add the butter gradually and knead until fully combined.
- 4
Sandwich the biscuits together with the almond filling.
- 5
Melt the dark chocolate with the butter over a bain-marie. Dip half of each biscuit into the chocolate glaze and let them rest for a few hours before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for a warm, spicy twist, or replace the jam with pistachio cream for a richer Sicilian version.
📦 Storage
- • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- • Use airtight containers to keep the biscuits crisp.
- • Enjoy within a reasonable period to appreciate their full freshness.
🍷 Pairing
Serve with a chilled glass of Moscato di Noto Naturale - its floral notes and delicate sweetness pair beautifully with these traditional Sicilian biscuits.
Thank you for exploring the tradition of Viscotta dâ Zita. I hope you’ll enjoy baking - and sharing - these charming Sicilian bridal biscuits, rich with history and flavour.
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