**Sfogliatelle: A Delightful Italian Pastry**
Sfogliatelle, a traditional Italian pastry, is a symbol of culinary excellence. Its unique shape and heavenly taste have captivated pastry lovers for centuries. Originating from the Campania region of Italy, sfogliatelle is characterized by its crispy layers of pastry dough, filled with a sweet and creamy ricotta mixture. This delectable treat comes in two main variations: sfogliatelle ricce (curly sfogliatelle) and sfogliatelle frolle (shortcrust sfogliatelle). Both versions offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we will delve into the world of sfogliatelle, providing you with two authentic recipes—one for each variation—so you can recreate this Italian masterpiece in your own kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, our detailed instructions and helpful tips will guide you through the process of making these delectable pastries. So, prepare to embark on a culinary journey as we explore the art of crafting sfogliatelle, a true testament to Italian pastry-making expertise.
SFOGLIATELLA
I could not have made this recipe without the help and tutelage of the Sessa family that runs Ferrara s Bakery here in Manhattan. I grew up eating this pastry at their store and it has been a part of my dessert favorites ever since the first time I ate it. I can remember the first time I bit into this pastry, standing on Grand Street, I felt as if my life had changed. So good. It is difficult to make but really rewarding.
Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli
Categories dessert
Time 4h40m
Yield 15 to 18 pastries
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, the semolina flour and salt. Use your fingers to work the butter into the dough until it forms pea-like balls. Alternatively, sift the dry ingredients into the food processor and pulse the butter into the mixture until it is blended and relatively smooth. Work the water in with your fingers (or in the mixer). Turn the dough out onto a flat surface and roll it into a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and press it down. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer. Whisk in the semolina flour and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens, 3 to 5 minutes. If it forms lumps as it cooks, whisk until smooth. Transfer the milk and flour mixture to a bowl to cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Stir in the ricotta, the egg, sugar. Add the candied orange and lemon bits and sift a dusting of cinnamon over the surface. Stir to blend. Taste for seasoning and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide in half. Flour a flat surface and roll 1 of the halves into a rectangle about 14 inches by 24 inches. The shorter end of the rectangle should be close to you. The dough should feel very thin. The thinner the better! Brush the entire rectangle with a layer of the shortening. Sprinkle it with an even dusting of confectioners sugar. Gently and evenly roll it up into itself like a jelly sponge roll. Roll carefully, taking care that it rolls up very tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 1 to 1 1/2-inch thick pieces. Repeat the same process with the other half of the dough.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Put 1 of the dough rounds in your hand and, with the other hand, press your thumb into the middle of your other hand (and, therefore, into the dough) and start to stretch the dough. You don t want to push so much that you make a cavity just yet. First, concentrate on making the dough round bigger and flatter. When it is about the size of a large clam shell, start to smooth and push down in the middle so it forms a cavity a lot like a large clam shell. You want to finish with a cone with an opening of about 3 inches and the smaller, tapered end about 1-inch. Brush a little shortening on the dough and turn it inside out, cupping the dough cone between the length of your index finger and thumb. Carefully spoon 2 large spoonfuls of the filling into the cone. The cone should be fairly filled and go to the edges of the opening with a thin layer of the filling. Close the mouth by carefully folding the cone opening over itself. The same as if you had 2 halves of a clam shell and were closing it up. Gently press the edges of the opening, together. Arrange on a nonstick baking sheet. Repeat with all of the dough, until both of the baking sheets are filled. Brush each with the egg wash.
- Put the trays in the center of the oven and bake until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow them to rest a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- After the Sfogliatella have rested for a few minutes, sprinkle them with another dusting of confectioners' sugar and put each baking sheet squarely under the broiler. Do not walk away! Stay there and watch as the sugar slowly browns the top. If the layer of sugar was light and you want to make it a little browner, repeat with another dusting of sugar and another minute under the broiler. Allow them to rest a few minutes, then transfer them to a serving platter, dust with confectioners' sugar and serve.
SFOGLIATELLA
Provided by Food Network
Categories dessert
Time 10h45m
Yield 16 to 20 pieces
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- For the dough: Mix the bread flour and 1 cup water in the mixing bowl of a stand mixer with a hook attachment until firm. Take the dough out of the bowl, completely wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for 1 hour.
- Press the dough as thin as possible with a rolling pin. Apply oil to the surfaces and roll the dough into a salami-shaped roll about 3 inches thick. When done, wrap in plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator overnight.
- For the filling: Put 4 cups water in a pot and bring to a boil. Add the semolina and mix until thoroughly firm and cooked. When the semolina is cool, put in the mixing bowl of a stand mixer and add the cinnamon oil. Mix at speed 2 and add the eggs one at a time. Add the ricotta and custard cream and mix thoroughly. Add the sugar, little by little while mixing thoroughly. If mixture is still extremely firm, add a couple more eggs.
- To assemble: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cut the "salami roll" into 1/4-inch discs. Each disc should be smoothed out between your palms. Using an ice cream scooper, fill the middle of the disc with filling and fold over into the shape of a clam shell. Put on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crispy, about 1 hour.
Tips:
- Choose the right ricotta cheese. For the best results, use whole milk ricotta cheese that is fresh and well-drained.
- Use a stand mixer to make the dough. This will help to ensure that the dough is smooth and well-mixed.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out. This will help to prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin and will make it easier to work with.
- Roll the dough out thinly. The thinner the dough, the crispier the sfogliatelle will be.
- Be careful not to overfill the sfogliatelle with filling. If the sfogliatelle are too full, they will burst open during baking.
- Bake the sfogliatelle until they are golden brown. This will take about 20-25 minutes.
- Let the sfogliatelle cool slightly before serving. This will help to prevent the filling from oozing out.
Conclusion:
Sfogliatelle are a delicious and classic Italian pastry that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little time and effort, you can make these delicious pastries at home. Just be sure to follow the tips above to ensure that your sfogliatelle turn out perfect.
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