If you’re looking to add a delightful touch to your festive baking repertoire this holiday season, look no further than the Italian tradition of Cartellate Honey Rose Shaped Pastries. These beautiful pastries are a beloved treat during Christmas in Italy, not just for their delicious taste but also for their intricate rose-like appearance that adds a touch of elegance to any holiday table.
**Cartellate Honey Rose Shaped Pastries**
**Ingredients:**
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup honey
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Vegetable oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, white wine, olive oil, orange zest, lemon zest, and cinnamon. Mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
2. Once the dough is formed, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. After the dough has rested, divide it into smaller portions and roll each portion out thinly, about 1/8 inch thick.
4. Using a pastry cutter or a knife, cut the rolled-out dough into strips, about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long.
5. To shape the cartellate pastries into roses, take one strip of dough and twist it around your fingers to create a rose shape. Press the end of the strip gently into the center to secure the shape. Repeat with the remaining strips of dough.
6. In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the cartellate pastries in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp.
7. Once fried, remove the pastries from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. In a separate saucepan, heat the honey until it becomes thin and runny. Dip each cartellate pastry into the warm honey, ensuring they are well coated.
9. Allow the cartellate pastries to cool and the honey to set before serving. These pastries are best enjoyed fresh, with a cup of espresso or dessert wine.
These Cartellate Honey Rose Shaped Pastries are not only a delicious sweet treat for the holidays but also a beautiful addition to your Christmas table. The blend of flavors from the orange zest, lemon zest, and cinnamon, combined with the sweetness of honey, creates a perfect balance that will surely impress your family and guests. Embrace the Italian tradition of baking these delicate pastries and enjoy the warmth and joy they bring to your home during this festive season.
