Baci di Dama alla Mortadella: A Savory Twist on a Classic Italian Treat
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Baci di Dama, a popular Italian sweet treat, takes on a deliciously savory flavor in this unique recipe featuring mortadella and creamy cheese. Perfect for serving at your next gathering, these savory little bites are easy to prepare, yet full of rich flavors. The combination of fragrant almonds, sharp Grana Padano cheese, and delicate mortadella will surprise and delight your guests with every bite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 Flour (All-purpose flour) | 120g |
| Almond Flour | 120g |
| Grana Padano DOP | 100g |
| Butter | 100g |
| White Wine | 30g |
| Fine Salt | to taste |
| Mortadella | 60g |
| Cream Cheese (Fresh spreadable) | 70g |
| Pink Pepper | 10g |
| Nutmeg | 1 pinch |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: Start by making the dough. In a large bowl, combine the 00 flour and almond flour. Add a pinch of fine salt and mix well. Gradually incorporate the butter, cut into small pieces, and blend it into the flour mixture using your fingers until it reaches a breadcrumb-like texture. Add the Grana Padano cheese, white wine, and continue mixing until a compact dough forms.
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Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into 24 equal portions (approximately 20 grams each). Roll each portion into a small ball by gently rolling it between the palms of your hands. Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each.
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Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in static mode. Bake the dough balls for about 20 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
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Prepare the Filling: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the filling. Place the mortadella, cream cheese, pink pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg into a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
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Assemble the Baci di Dama: Once the cookies have cooled, take one cookie and spread a generous teaspoon of the mortadella and cream cheese filling on the flat side. Top it with another cookie, pressing gently to form a sandwich.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your savory Baci di Dama alla Mortadella are now ready to be served! These tasty bites are perfect for appetizers, cocktail parties, or as a delightful snack to enjoy with friends and family.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a few fresh basil leaves or a small squeeze of lemon juice to the filling mixture.
- If you can’t find Grana Padano cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano is a great substitute.
- Adjust the amount of pink pepper and nutmeg based on your taste preferences for a spicier or more fragrant filling.
This savory rendition of the classic Baci di Dama is a perfect fusion of traditional Italian baking and the rich, delicate flavors of mortadella and cheese. Serve these at your next event, and watch as they disappear in no time!
