Around the holiday season, many families love to come together and share traditional dishes that have been passed down for generations. One such delightful treat that you can easily make in your own kitchen is the Mustazzoli Apulian Honey Almond Pastries. These Italian Christmas pastries from the Apulia region are a sweet and nutty delight that will surely warm your heart and your home.
Mustazzoli Apulian Honey Almond Pastries
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of almond meal
– 1 cup of honey
– 1/2 cup of sugar
– 1/2 cup of water
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Zest of 1 orange
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, lemon zest, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond meal, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually pour in the honey mixture, stirring well until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour until you achieve a workable texture.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes – whether traditional rounds, stars, or other festive designs.
5. Place the pastries onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color and are slightly firm to the touch.
6. Allow the pastries to cool on a wire rack before serving. These delicious Mustazzoli Apulian Honey Almond Pastries are perfect to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, as a sweet ending to a festive meal, or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Enjoy the warmth and flavors of the holiday season with these delightful Italian Christmas pastries. The combination of honey, almonds, and aromatic spices creates a truly comforting treat that captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite. Share the joy of baking and savoring Mustazzoli Apulian Honey Almond Pastries with your loved ones this holiday season.
