St. Joseph's Day Cream Puffs, also known as Sfingi di San Giuseppe, are a traditional Italian pastry associated with the celebration of St. Joseph's Day on March 19th. These cream puffs are characterized by their light and airy choux pastry filled with a rich and creamy custard or whipped cream, often flavored with citrusy notes. The Sfingi di San Giuseppe are typically topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, adding an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. These delightful pastries hold a special place in Italian cuisine and are a delectable treat enjoyed during the festivities of St. Joseph's Day.
In addition to the classic cream puffs, the article also presents variations of this beloved dessert. One variation is the ricotta-filled Sfingi di San Giuseppe, where the creamy custard is replaced with a luscious ricotta cheese filling, offering a lighter and tangier flavor profile. Another variation is the chocolate-filled Sfingi di San Giuseppe, where the custard is infused with rich and decadent chocolate, creating an indulgent and irresistible treat.
For those who prefer a gluten-free option, the article also includes a recipe for gluten-free Sfingi di San Giuseppe. This variation uses a combination of gluten-free flour and almond flour to create a light and airy choux pastry, while still maintaining the authentic flavors and textures of the traditional recipe.
These variations cater to different preferences and dietary restrictions, allowing everyone to enjoy the deliciousness of St. Joseph's Day Cream Puffs. Whether you opt for the classic custard-filled, ricotta-filled, chocolate-filled, or gluten-free version, these pastries are sure to be a delightful addition to your St. Joseph's Day celebration.
SFINGE DI SAN GIUSEPPE - ST. JOSEPH'S DAY CREAM PUFFS
A traditional Sicilian treat in honor of St. Joseph and served on his day, March 19. Posted from the Festa di San Guiseppe-NYC in response to a recipe request.
Provided by Molly53
Categories Dessert
Time 1h
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Puff pastry shell: Combine first five ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Cook, stirring constantly until the dough leaves the side of the pan and starts to form a ball.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the grated orange& lemon peel.
- Drop by tablespoon on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to 350 degrees F.
- for another 25 minutes.
- Cream Filling: Stir the filling ingredients together until smooth.
- When the puffs have cooled, cut a small slice off the top.
- Fill puffs and replace the small slice on top of filling.
- Enjoy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 222.2, Fat 15, SaturatedFat 9, Cholesterol 110.2, Sodium 134.9, Carbohydrate 14.2, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 3.8, Protein 7.6
ST. JOSEPH'S DAY CREAM PUFFS / SFINGI DI SAN GIUSEPPE
This is a traditional Italian pastry made on March 19 in celebration of the feast of St. Joseph. The traditional filling for these cream puffs is sweetened ricotta, however a vanilla or almond flavored pasticciera (pastry) cream may be used instead. This recipe should make at least 16-20 sfingi.....depending on how small or large you make the circles, you may end up with more or less shells. Note: If you can't find Impastata ricotta (aka pastry or cannoli ricotta), regular ricotta will work well if you drain it well (preferably overnight), and then beat it (or use food processor or blender) until very creamy.
Provided by Dee514
Categories Dessert
Time 1h40m
Yield 16-20 Sfingi
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- For cream puffs: Combing butter, salt and water in a sauce pan.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- Add flour all at one time, mixing well by hand (with a wooden spoon), until the dough forms a ball and leaves the sides of the pan.
- Remove pan from heat, and let cool a little.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add sugar and grated lemon and orange peels, and mix thoroughly (dough should have a slight gloss or sheen to it).
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a large sheet (or jelly roll) pan with parchment.
- Attach a# 4 tip (large star tip) to a pastry bag.
- Fill the pastry bag with the dough, and squeezing the dough through the bag, form donut shaped circles on the parchment, be careful that you do not move the bag too quickly or the dough will be stretched too thin.
- The dough circles should be about 1 inch thick.
- Leave a 2-inch space between each circle.
- Bake at 400F for about 10 minutes, reduce heat to 325F and bake for 30 minutes more or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven, carefully cut a small slit horizontally into the side of each puff, place on a rack to cool.
- When completely cooled, carefully slice each puff in half horizontally (forming a top and a bottom).
- Filling: In a large bowl; cream the drained ricotta well, until very smooth.
- Add flavorings and stir to blend well.
- Add sugar and mix well, filling should be thick (stiff) enough to hold its shape, if it is not, add more sugar.
- Fill a pastry bag fitted with a# 4 tip (large star tip) with the ricotta mixture.
- Squeeze the filling on to the bottom half of each puff.
- Place cherries on top of the filling (spaced about 1/2 inch apart).
- Replace tops on the puffs, and gently press down just enough to press the cherries part way into the filling.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until serving.
- Sfingi may be lightly dusted with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving (optional).
- Note: Sfingi are best served/eaten the day they are made, because once they are filled, the puffs can soften.
- The puffs may be made a day ahead, and filled before serving.
- The filling may be made a day ahead of serving and stored (covered) in the refrigerator.
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will give your cream puffs the best flavor and texture. If possible, use organic eggs and milk.
- Make sure your butter is cold: Cold butter will help to create a flaky pastry. If your butter is too soft, it will make the pastry tough.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough will make the pastry tough. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
- Chill the dough before baking: Chilling the dough will help to prevent the cream puffs from spreading too much in the oven.
- Bake the cream puffs in a preheated oven: A preheated oven will help to ensure that the cream puffs cook evenly.
- Don't open the oven door while the cream puffs are baking: Opening the oven door will cause the cream puffs to fall.
- Let the cream puffs cool completely before filling them: Filling the cream puffs while they are still warm will cause the filling to melt and make the cream puffs soggy.
Conclusion:
St. Joseph's Day Cream Puffs are a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for any occasion. These cream puffs are easy to make and can be filled with a variety of fillings, such as whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or fruit preserves. If you are looking for a sweet and satisfying treat, St. Joseph's Day Cream Puffs are the perfect choice.
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