Dalmatian Christmas Ring Cookies, or Buzzolai Negri de Nadàl: Buzzolai are ring-shaped cookies, and were an essential part of every festivity in Dalmatia, in part because their round shape brings coins to mind, and in part because they're quite tasty. Every family had a recipe for them, and they vary greatly. Here's a more elaborate recipe for Christmas Day.
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 1/3 cups (1 k) unbleached all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) warm olive oil
- 1 pound (500 g) honey
- 3 tablespoons bitter cocoa
- 2 opunces (50 g) minced candied citron
- 2 cloves, ground
- 1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon
- A pinch of freshly ground nutmeg
- 6 ounces (150 g) chopped walnuts
- 12 ounces (300 g) chopped almonds
- 1 tablespoon aquavit (I might substitute vodka or brandy)
- The zests of an orange and a lemon (both organic to avoid pesticides)
- A tablespoon active dry yeast
- A pinch of salt.
Preparation:
Heat the honey over a slow flame, stirring constantly, until it darkens in color. Take a large bowl and mix the flour with the yeast and the spices, then carefully mix in the honey and the remaining ingredients except for 1/3 of the almonds.
Turn the mixture out onto your work surface and shape it into a number of rings, dipping them in the remaining almonds and arranging them on a greased cookie sheet.
Bake the rings in a preheated 350 F (175 C) oven for a few minutes -- until the dough softens. Let them cool and store them in a jar for a week before enjoying them.
Turn the mixture out onto your work surface and shape it into a number of rings, dipping them in the remaining almonds and arranging them on a greased cookie sheet.
Bake the rings in a preheated 350 F (175 C) oven for a few minutes -- until the dough softens. Let them cool and store them in a jar for a week before enjoying them.
