Best 2 Italian Shortbread With Almonds And Jam Recipes

**Unveiling the Delights of Italian Shortbread with Almonds and Jam: A Culinary Journey Through Sweetness and Tradition**

In the realm of Italian pastries, the shortbread known as "pasta frolla" stands as a timeless classic, a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage. This delectable treat, crafted with a symphony of simple yet exquisite ingredients, embodies the essence of Italian baking: a harmonious blend of rustic charm and refined elegance. As you embark on this culinary journey, immerse yourself in the art of creating these delectable delights, exploring three enticing variations that showcase the versatility of this beloved recipe:

1. **Classic Italian Shortbread with Almonds:** Experience the timeless charm of traditional Italian shortbread, where the delicate crumbliness of the pastry intertwines with the nutty crunch of almonds, all enveloped in a dusting of powdered sugar. This classic rendition embodies the simplicity and elegance that define Italian cuisine.

2. **Raspberry Jam-Filled Italian Shortbread:** Embark on a delightful adventure as you introduce a layer of vibrant raspberry jam to the classic shortbread recipe. The tartness of the jam complements the sweetness of the pastry, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

3. **Lemon Zest-Infused Italian Shortbread:** Infuse your shortbread with the invigorating aroma and tangy zest of fresh lemons. This variation elevates the classic recipe to new heights, offering a refreshing and citrusy twist that will awaken your senses.

Prepare to indulge in the delightful world of Italian shortbread with almonds and jam. Let your taste buds embark on a journey of sweet indulgence as you explore these delectable recipes, each offering a unique expression of this beloved culinary tradition.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ALMOND SHORTBREAD II

Almond Shortbread II image

Quick, easy almond shortbread cookies that can be prepared ahead of time and taken from the fridge to bake in only 15 minutes. Melt in the mouth. You can decorate the shortbread with almond slivers instead of whole almonds, if you like.

Provided by Linda-Jane Copley

Categories Desserts Nut Dessert Recipes Almond Dessert Recipes

Yield 18

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 ⅛ cups butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup cornstarch
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup almond meal
20 almonds

Steps:

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners' sugar until very light. Gradually add the cornstarch, all purpose flour and nutmeg. Stir until well blended. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead for a few turns. Divide the mixture into 2 parts. Roll each part into a roll about 6 inches (15 cm) long. Wrap the rolls in plastic wrap or wax paper, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. These can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
Unwrap the rolls and slice into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place onto the prepared cookie sheets. Gently press an almond onto the top of each cookie.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. When cookies are cooled, store in an airtight tin to preserve crispness.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 198.9 calories, Carbohydrate 19.1 g, Cholesterol 30.5 mg, Fat 13.2 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 82.7 mg, Sugar 6.6 g

MEDITERRANEAN FRIED EGGS

Mediterranean Fried Eggs image

Just a hodgepodge of Mediterranean flavors I threw together one morning, and it turned out delicious!!! This recipe is for one--a hearty breakfast. I recommend serving with a crisp, multigrain toast for scooping up the yolks.

Provided by Buckeye Karen

Categories Breakfast

Time 7m

Yield 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

2 eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 black olives, sliced (or about 1 T diced)
2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 of a ripe guacamole, cubed (and salted, if desired)
salt and pepper

Steps:

In a small, nonstick omelette pan (really, small!), coat the bottom with olive oil and place on burner at a medium-high heat. I use a generous amount of oil to help the eggs brown (and because I like the flavor), but you can go lighter if you'd like.
When oil is hot, remove pan from heat and add onions and garlic. Allow to saute for a minute or so, stirring as needed. Meanwhile, turn the burner down to medium.
Crack 2 eggs over the sauted onion and garlic, using a spatula to distribute the veggies throughout the egg whites before they start to turn white. (This needs to be done relatively quickly.)
Quickly add the feta and olives into the uncooked eggs, avoiding breaking the yolks.
Add salt and pepper now, if desired.
Cover pan with a clear lid and return to the heat. The clear cover will help the top of the eggs cook and you'll be able to gauge their progress without picking up the lid and losing the steam.
Cook to desired doneness, or until yolks have formed a white film over them. I cooked mine for about 2-3 minutes, tops, and they were done perfectly (yolks mostly runny but partly done on the bottom).
Remove from heat and garnish generously with cubed avocado over the top of the whole dish.
Serve immediately, in the pan. (I guess you could try to remove it, but I like eating from the pan as it keeps the eggs warm throughout the meal.).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 499.9, Fat 44, SaturatedFat 11.2, Cholesterol 448.2, Sodium 536.3, Carbohydrate 9.3, Fiber 1, Sugar 3.7, Protein 17.6

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh butter, almond flour, and jam will produce the best-tasting shortbread cookies.
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy: This will help to incorporate air into the cookies, making them light and tender.
Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will make the cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Chill the dough before baking: This will help to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Bake the cookies until they are golden brown: This will ensure that they are cooked through.
Let the cookies cool completely before serving: This will allow the flavors to develop.

Conclusion:

These Italian shortbread cookies with almonds and jam are a delicious and easy-to-make treat. They are perfect for any occasion, from a casual gathering to a formal party. With their delicate flavor and crumbly texture, these cookies are sure to please everyone. So next time you're in the mood for something sweet, give these cookies a try. You won't be disappointed!