Mostaccioli Calabresi Recipe: A Traditional Italian Honey Biscuit Delight
Category: Desserts
Servings: 7
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Mostaccioli calabresi are a classic Italian dessert hailing from the Calabria region. Known for their unique combination of honey and rich, flavorful dough, these honey biscuits are perfect for a special occasion or a sweet treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea. Whether you’re familiar with Italian desserts or trying something new, this recipe offers an easy way to recreate this traditional delicacy at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Millefiori honey | 500g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 550g |
| Egg yolks | 3 |
| Baking powder | 8g |
| Millefiori honey (for glazing) | 200g |
| Sprinkles (Codetta) | to taste |
| All-purpose flour (for dusting) | as needed |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 biscuit) |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by sifting the 550g of all-purpose flour and 8g of baking powder into a large mixing bowl. This will ensure the flour is light and free from any lumps. In the center of the sifted flour, create a well and add the 3 egg yolks and 500g of millefiori honey. The honey will bring a smooth sweetness to the dough, enhancing the flavor profile of the finished biscuits.
Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients
Using a fork, gently mix the ingredients by gradually pulling in the flour from the sides of the well. This will help incorporate the egg yolks and honey into the flour mixture. Slowly pour in the remaining honey, little by little, to make the dough easier to work with. For those experienced in handling dough, you can add everything at once and mix by hand, but for a smoother experience, adding in stages is recommended.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading the dough with your hands, making sure to incorporate all ingredients into a smooth, homogeneous mixture. If the dough is too sticky, dust it with a little more flour until it becomes manageable and soft, but not overly dry. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s firm and smooth.
Step 4: Shape the Biscuits
Now that your dough is ready, divide it into about 7 equal portions, each weighing approximately 140g. These portions will form your individual mostaccioli. However, if you prefer smaller or larger biscuits, feel free to adjust the portion size accordingly. Shape each portion into a small log or oval shape.
Step 5: Decorate and Prepare for Baking
Place the shaped mostaccioli on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. With the leftover dough, you can create decorative elements like thin ropes or small curls to place on top of the biscuits for added flair. The decorative dough will melt beautifully during baking, creating a lovely textured finish on the surface of each biscuit.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in static mode, or 160°C (320°F) for fan-assisted baking. Bake the mostaccioli for 35-40 minutes or until they develop a rich, golden-brown color. The biscuits should be firm to the touch but soft inside.
Step 7: Glaze with Honey
Once the biscuits are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately brush them with the 200g of millefiori honey. The honey will melt and coat the mostaccioli, giving them a beautiful glossy finish and enhancing their sweetness. For an optional finishing touch, sprinkle some codetta (sugar sprinkles) over the biscuits while they are still warm.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the mostaccioli to cool completely on a wire rack. As they cool, they will firm up further, and the honey glaze will set to a sticky, glossy finish. Serve these Calabrian honey biscuits as a delightful dessert or snack to enjoy with family and friends.
Tips and Variations
- Texture: If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, reduce the baking time slightly and keep a close eye on the biscuits.
- Flavor Enhancements: You can experiment with adding a hint of citrus zest (such as lemon or orange) or a dash of ground cinnamon for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
- Glaze Options: While millefiori honey provides the perfect glaze, you can also use other types of honey, such as acacia or chestnut, for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Mostaccioli calabresi are perfect for pairing with a cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine, such as Vin Santo or a sweet red wine. They also make an excellent gift, wrapped in parchment paper or placed in a decorative tin for a homemade touch. These biscuits also store well in an airtight container, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time.
With their delightful honey glaze and slightly spiced, sweet flavor, mostaccioli calabresi bring a taste of Calabria to your kitchen. This traditional Italian dessert will surely impress your guests and become a family favorite. Enjoy the process of creating these delicious, honey-drenched treats and savor every bite of this regional specialty!
