St. Joseph’s Day Cream Puffs (Sfingi Di San Giuseppe)
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 16-20 sfingi
Description:
St. Joseph’s Day Cream Puffs, known in Italy as Sfingi Di San Giuseppe, are a delightful traditional pastry made to honor the feast of St. Joseph on March 19. While the classic filling is a sweetened ricotta cheese, many variations utilize a creamy vanilla or almond-flavored pastry cream instead. These treats are not just a feast for the taste buds but also a celebration of heritage, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Depending on your preferred size for each puff, you can yield anywhere from 16 to 20 sfingi. If you are unable to locate impastata ricotta (also known as pastry or cannoli ricotta), don’t fret! Regular ricotta can work wonders if you allow it to drain overnight, subsequently blending it until creamy for a delightful filling.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Butter |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1 cup | Water |
| 1 cup | All-purpose flour |
| 4 | Large eggs |
| 1 tsp | Sugar |
| 1 tsp | Fresh lemon zest |
| 1/2 tsp | Orange zest |
| 1 cup | Impastata ricotta |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 1 cup | Confectioners’ sugar |
| 1-2 tbsp | Water (for adjusting filling) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 118.8 |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 61.8 mg |
| Sodium | 80.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 11.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugars | 4.6 g |
| Protein | 2.3 g |
Instructions
Preparing the Cream Puffs
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, salt, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the butter is fully melted.
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Add Flour: Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and quickly add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a cohesive ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
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Cool the Mixture: Allow the dough to cool for a few minutes, just until it’s warm to the touch.
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Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough should become smooth and shiny.
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Add Sugar and Zests: Stir in the sugar, lemon zest, and orange zest until thoroughly mixed. Your dough should have a slight sheen to it.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Pipe the Dough: Fit a large pastry bag with a #4 star tip and fill it with the dough. Squeeze the bag gently to form donut-shaped circles, approximately 1 inch thick, spaced about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined sheet.
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Bake the Puffs: Place the tray in the oven and bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, reduce the heat to 325°F (165°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the puffs are golden brown and firm to the touch.
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Cool the Shells: Remove the puffs from the oven and use a sharp knife to cut a small slit in the side of each puff to release steam. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Preparing the Filling
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Cream the Ricotta: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly cream the drained impastata ricotta until it becomes very smooth. This may take a few minutes, especially if you are using a food processor or blender.
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Add Flavorings: Incorporate the vanilla extract and mix well until evenly distributed.
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Sweeten the Filling: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the ricotta mixture, adjusting to taste. If the filling is too loose, add more sugar to achieve a thick, spreadable consistency.
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Fill the Pastry Bag: Transfer the ricotta filling into a clean pastry bag fitted with a #4 star tip.
Assembling the Sfingi
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Fill the Puffs: Once the cream puffs have cooled completely, slice each puff in half horizontally to create a top and bottom. Pipe a generous amount of the ricotta mixture onto the bottom half of each puff.
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Add Cherries: Place cherries atop the filling, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart.
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Complete the Puffs: Gently press the top halves back onto the filled bases, ensuring the cherries are nestled into the filling.
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Serve: Optionally, dust the assembled sfingi lightly with confectioners’ sugar just before serving. For the best texture, serve them immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Note that sfingi are best enjoyed the same day they are made, as the puffs may soften once filled.
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Make-Ahead Tips: The cream puffs can be prepared a day in advance and filled just before serving. The ricotta filling can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator in a covered container.
Enjoy these St. Joseph’s Day Cream Puffs as a special treat to celebrate heritage and delicious Italian flavors, perfect for gatherings or personal indulgence! Each bite offers a unique combination of creamy sweetness and light pastry that embodies the spirit of this festive occasion.
