Introducing a delightful Italian dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious – Faccia De Vecchia, which translates to “Old Woman’s Face.” This traditional sweet treat is often enjoyed during festive occasions and family gatherings, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your loved ones. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of Italy into your own kitchen.
Faccia De Vecchia (Old Woman’s Face)
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup apricot jam
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the mixture and knead the dough gently until it comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough.
5. Place half of the dough circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of apricot jam onto each circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Using a knife or small cookie cutter, cut out small shapes from the center of the remaining dough circles to create a decorative “face” for each cookie. Place these on top of the jam-filled circles.
7. Gently press the edges of the dough together to seal the cookies. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch if desired.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cookies are cool, dust them with powdered sugar for a final touch before serving.
Enjoy these delightful Faccia De Vecchia (Old Woman’s Face) cookies with a cup of coffee or tea, and share the love of homemade Italian sweets with your friends and family. This recipe is a perfect way to add a touch of tradition and sweetness to your gatherings. Buon appetito!
