Colac Molisani – Italian Pastry Bites
Servings: 25 | Category: Sweets | Preparation Time: 1 hour + chilling time | Cooking Time: 10 minutes
A delicious and fragrant pastry hailing from the beautiful region of Molise in Italy, Colac Molisani is a delightful dessert perfect for the holiday season or as a sweet snack for any occasion. With a crisp outer layer, filled with a warm, spiced mixture of dried fruit, nuts, and honey, these pastries are as flavorful as they are charming. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 Flour | 700g |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Lard (Strutto) | 150g |
| Sugar | 100g |
| Dry White Wine | 50g |
| Stale Bread (crumbs) | 50g |
| Peeled Almonds | 100g |
| Walnuts | 100g |
| Golden Apples | 1 |
| Dried Figs | 4 |
| Orange Zest | 1 |
| Ground Cloves | To taste |
| Ground Cinnamon | To taste |
| Millefiori Honey | 120g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pastry Dough:
- Begin by cracking the eggs into a small bowl. Add the sugar and beat them together with a fork or whisk until smooth and well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, place the 00 flour. Create a well in the center and pour in the egg-sugar mixture along with the dry white wine.
- Mix everything together until a soft dough begins to form. Once the dough is well incorporated, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes to smooth it out.
- Once smooth and elastic, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to chill and firm up.
-
Make the Filling:
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. Place the stale bread crumbs, peeled almonds, walnuts, dried figs, and the golden apple into a food processor.
- Pulse until everything is finely chopped and combined into a uniform mixture.
- Add ground cinnamon and ground cloves to taste, then pulse a few more times to mix.
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and add the honey. Heat over low heat until the honey has melted and the mixture is warm and well-combined.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before adding the grated orange zest. Stir everything together and set aside.
-
Shape the Colac Molisani:
- Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and divide it into small portions.
- Roll each portion of dough into a ball and flatten it into a circle, about 7 cm in diameter, using your hands or a rolling pin.
- Place a teaspoon of the prepared filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, then use the tines of a fork to press the edges together, sealing the pastry tightly.
-
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) in static mode.
- Arrange the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the pastries are golden and crisp.
-
Finish and Serve:
- Once baked, allow the Colac Molisani to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar to give them a sweet finish.
Enjoy these delectable, nut-filled pastries as a treat for family gatherings or share them with friends to showcase the authentic flavors of Molise. The combination of honey, dried fruits, and warm spices is irresistible, making these pastries a true Italian delicacy.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
These Colac Molisani are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are also an ideal way to bring a little piece of Italian tradition into your home. Their delicate texture, rich filling, and sweet aroma make them a perfect addition to any dessert table.
