Cucidati (Fruit-and-Chocolate-filled Cookie Rolls)

Overview:

Prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey with our Cucidati recipe, blending the richness of dried fruits, the sweetness of honey, the warmth of spices, and the decadence of chocolate, all wrapped in a tender pastry. These delectable cookie rolls, infused with flavors reminiscent of Christmas, are perfect for festive gatherings or as a special treat any time of the year. Indulge in the aroma as they bake, filling your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Yield: 36 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, European, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, Small Appliance, < 4 Hours

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 2 cups dried figs
• 2 cups raisins
• 2 cups dried pear halves
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 cup butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup egg
• 1 lemon, rind of
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 4 oranges
• 12 cups water
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups honey

For the Glaceed Orange Peel:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• Water (as needed)

Instructions:

Filling Preparation:

1. Coarsely chop chocolate in processor or food grinder.
2. Add all dried fruit and orange peel and chop finely.
3. Blend in honey and spices.
4. Refrigerate in airtight container for 2 hours (can be stored up to 2 weeks).

Pastry Preparation:

1. Cream butter and sugar with electric mixer.
2. Beat in egg and lemon peel.
3. Mix in flour and baking powder until a smooth dough forms.
4. Wrap with plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Assembly:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Divide pastry and filling into thirds.
3. Roll one portion of pastry out on a lightly floured surface to a 3 x 13-inch strip.
4. Trim edges and form one portion of filling into a 13-inch rope.
5. Arrange the filling on top of the pastry 1 inch from the long edge.
6. Fold the far edge of pastry over the filling.
7. Brush with water and fold up the near edge to enclose the filling.
8. Pinch edges to seal.
9. Cut pastry diagonally into 1-inch pieces.
10. Arrange seam side down on ungreased baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
11. Repeat with the remaining dough.
12. Bake until cookies are golden, about 14 minutes.
13. Cool completely on racks.
14. Store cookies in an airtight container.

Glaceed Orange Peel:

1. Score oranges into quarters, remove peel with any white pith that clings to it. (Reserve oranges for another use.)
2. Cut peel into 1/8 inch wide strips.
3. Boil with 6 cups water in a heavy large saucepan for 10 minutes.
4. Drain and repeat with 6 cups fresh water.
5. Drain well.
6. Combine 1 1/4 cups water, sugar, and honey in the same saucepan.
7. Heat over low heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
8. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
9. Mix in peel and boil gently until the peel is tender and the syrup is reduced to 3/4 cup, stirring frequently, about 40 minutes.
10. Cool in a colander, stirring occasionally.
11. Store in an airtight container (can be refrigerated up to 2 weeks).

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 117.9
• Fat: 2.3g
• Saturated Fat: 1.4g
• Cholesterol: 9.3mg
• Sodium: 24.1mg
• Carbohydrates: 24.9g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Sugar: 19.9g
• Protein: 1.2g

Conclusion:

Cucidati, with its intricate blend of flavors and textures, is more than just a cookie—it’s a culinary masterpiece that reflects tradition, creativity, and the joy of sharing. Whether you’re celebrating the holiday season or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these fruit-and-chocolate-filled cookie rolls will captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more. Embrace the process of creating these delightful treats, and savor the moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones, crafting memories that are as sweet as the cookies themselves.