San Martino Biscuits
Category: Desserts
Servings: 15 pieces
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
San Martino Biscuits are a traditional treat, perfect for those who love the warm, aromatic flavors of anise and cinnamon paired with a delicate ricotta cream filling. These sweet delights are often enjoyed in Italy during special celebrations, and their crisp, yet tender texture makes them irresistible to anyone who tries them. Here’s how to prepare them in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00) | 500g |
| Fresh brewer’s yeast | 25g |
| Granulated sugar | 100g |
| Lard (or unsalted butter) | 100g |
| Black anise seeds | 15g |
| Water | 200g |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Fresh ricotta cheese | 550g |
| Icing sugar (powdered sugar) | 150g |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 pinch |
| Dark chocolate chips | 75g |
| Moscato wine | 20g |
| Water (for moscato mixture) | 20g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Dough
- Begin by sifting the all-purpose flour into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and black anise seeds to the flour.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh brewer’s yeast in a small amount of the total water measurement.
- Turn on the stand mixer at a low speed and gradually add the yeast-water mixture to the flour mixture, then continue adding the rest of the water slowly until fully incorporated.
- Add the lard, a tablespoon at a time, allowing each spoonful to blend into the dough before adding more.
- Once the lard is incorporated, add a pinch of fine salt.
- Knead the dough in the mixer for about 5 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round ball.
- Transfer the dough into a large bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, place it back onto the floured surface. Shape the dough into a long log, then cut it into pieces that are approximately 60g each.
- Place the dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rest for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Bake the Biscuits
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the dough pieces for about 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Filling
- While the biscuits are cooling, prepare the ricotta filling. In a bowl, sift the ricotta cheese and add the icing sugar and a pinch of ground cinnamon.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the cream becomes smooth and well-combined.
- Transfer the ricotta mixture into a piping bag fitted with a smooth tip.
Step 5: Assemble the Biscuits
- In a small bowl, combine the moscato wine and water. Stir to combine.
- Once the biscuits have completely cooled, slice each biscuit in half horizontally.
- Lightly brush the inside of each biscuit half with the moscato mixture.
- Pipe a generous amount of ricotta cream onto one half of each biscuit.
- Top with a few dark chocolate chips for an added touch of richness and flavor.
- Place the other half of the biscuit on top to complete the sandwich.
Serving
- Your San Martino Biscuits are now ready to enjoy! The combination of crisp biscuit, aromatic spices, and the creamy ricotta filling creates a delightful treat that will be a hit at any gathering or celebration.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute the Moscato: If you don’t have moscato, you can use any sweet white wine or even a little bit of fruit juice for soaking.
- Chocolate Twist: Experiment with different chocolate types or even skip the chocolate for a more traditional flavor.
- Storage: Store your San Martino Biscuits in an airtight container for up to a week to keep them fresh.
These biscuits are the perfect way to treat your family and friends to a slice of Italian tradition, full of aromatic flavors and delightful textures. Enjoy!
