Fave dei Morti: Traditional Italian Almond Cookies
Fave dei Morti, literally “beans of the dead,” are a traditional Italian cookie typically prepared for All Saints’ Day or during the Day of the Dead celebrations. These cookies are rich with the flavors of almonds, pine nuts, and a touch of grappa, making them both aromatic and flavorful. Their name comes from the shape they take, which resembles the shape of beans, a symbol of the souls of the deceased.
This recipe is simple yet sophisticated, blending the earthiness of almonds with the citrusy brightness of lemon and the warmth of cinnamon, creating a unique treat that will surely become a favorite at any gathering. Letโs dive into how you can create these delicious cookies in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Blanched Almonds | 300g |
| Pine Nuts | 50g |
| All-Purpose Flour (00) | 150g |
| Powdered Sugar | 150g |
| Lemon Zest | 1 lemon |
| Ground Cinnamon | 5g |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
| Egg Yolks | 2 |
| Grappa (or another liqueur) | 15ml |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Almonds and Pine Nuts
Begin by finely grinding the blanched almonds in a food processor or mixer. The almonds should be ground into a fine powder, ensuring a smooth texture for your cookies. Do the same with the pine nuts, grinding them into a fine flour-like consistency.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
On a clean, lightly floured surface, mix the ground almonds, pine nuts, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture, creating a small fontana (well).
Step 3: Make the Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole egg and egg yolks with the grappa. Pour the egg mixture into the center of the flour mixture. Using your hands, gently start incorporating the flour from the edges into the wet ingredients, gradually forming the dough. Continue mixing until the dough comes together in a smooth and slightly sticky ball.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Take small portions of the dough and roll each piece into a 1 cm thick “sausage.” Once you have your sausages, cut them into 1 cm long pieces. Roll each piece between your hands to form small, round cookie shapes.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the shaped cookies onto the sheet, leaving some space between each one. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10โ12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. The Fave dei Morti should have a crisp exterior with a tender, almond-infused interior. Serve them with a hot beverage or alongside other Italian delicacies.
These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially during holiday celebrations, and offer a delicious taste of Italyโs rich culinary traditions.
Enjoy your homemade Fave dei Mortiโsweet, fragrant, and steeped in history!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.)
This Fave dei Morti recipe brings the essence of Italian culture to your kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It is a tribute to both tradition and taste, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of festive sweets. Whether for a holiday or simply a special treat, these cookies are sure to impress and delight!
