Carnival Cassatelle Recipe: A Sweet Delight to Brighten Your Festivities
Welcome to Love With Recipes, where culinary traditions are cherished and reinvented to bring delightful flavors to your table. Today, we’ll dive into the art of crafting Carnival Cassatelle, a classic Italian dessert known for its crispy pastry shell filled with a creamy, aromatic ricotta and chocolate filling. These crescent-shaped treats are a must-have during Carnival season, offering a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
Below is a detailed table showcasing the ingredients and their nutritional highlights, ensuring you can track your intake while savoring this delightful dessert.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 300g | Provides structure, rich in carbohydrates |
| Unsalted butter | 30g | Adds flakiness and flavor, source of fat |
| Eggs | 2 | Offers protein and helps bind the dough |
| Sugar (for dough) | 30g | Sweetens the pastry, adds texture |
| Orange zest | 1 | Adds a refreshing citrus aroma |
| Lemon zest | 1 | Enhances flavor with a tangy note |
| Marsala wine | 20g | Adds a unique depth of flavor |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch | Balances sweetness |
| Ricotta cheese (sheep) | 300g | Creamy texture, rich in calcium |
| Dark chocolate | 100g | Intense flavor, source of antioxidants |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp | Warm spice for aroma |
| Sugar (for filling) | 100g | Sweetens the ricotta mixture |
| Vegetable oil | As needed | For frying, light and neutral in flavor |
| Powdered sugar | As needed | For dusting, adds a final touch of sweetness |
Nutritional Information (Per Cassatella)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fats | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Sodium | 35mg |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and a pinch of fine salt. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs (at room temperature), small pieces of butter (slightly cold but pliable), orange zest, and lemon zest.
- Introduce Marsala Wine: Slowly pour in the Marsala wine, allowing the dough to develop its characteristic flavor.
- Knead the Dough: Using your hands, knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, cohesive ball. The dough should be elastic and pliable. Wrap it in plastic wrap and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Mix the Ricotta: In a separate bowl, place the ricotta cheese and whisk until smooth.
- Incorporate Sugar and Spices: Add the sugar and ground cinnamon, blending thoroughly to ensure even distribution of sweetness and spice.
- Add the Chocolate: Finely chop the dark chocolate and fold it into the ricotta mixture. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Roll and Shape the Dough
- Roll the Dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into manageable portions. Roll each portion out into a thin sheet, approximately 2mm in thickness.
- Cut Out Circles: Use a round pastry cutter (11.5 cm in diameter) to cut out circles from the rolled dough.
- Fill and Fold: Place a teaspoon of the ricotta filling at the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling, creating a crescent shape.
- Seal the Edges: Press the edges firmly with your fingers, then use a fluted pastry cutter to trim and seal the borders, creating a decorative edge.
4. Fry the Cassatelle
- Heat the Oil: In a deep, heavy-bottomed pan, heat vegetable oil to 170°C (340°F). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully slide the cassatelle into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for approximately 3 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cassatelle and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
5. Final Touches
- Dust with Sugar: Allow the cassatelle to cool slightly before sprinkling them generously with powdered sugar.
- Serve and Enjoy: Present the Carnival Cassatelle on a platter and serve them warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Carnival Cassatelle
- Quality Ricotta: Always use fresh ricotta for the filling to achieve the creamiest texture.
- Consistent Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature to ensure even frying and avoid soggy results.
- Optional Additions: For a twist, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat lightly before serving for the best experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Carnival Cassatelle combines the richness of tradition with a delightful medley of textures and flavors. The flaky pastry contrasts beautifully with the creamy, sweet, and spiced filling, while the chocolate adds a touch of indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating Carnival or simply indulging in a taste of Italy, these cassatelle are sure to enchant your taste buds.
Enjoy crafting these treats and share the joy of Love With Recipes with your loved ones!
