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Sunday, July 29, 2018

CHIACCHIERE (small talk) What's the Gossip About?

During Carnevale delightful, sweet, crispy strips known as chiacchiere are seen throughout bakeries in Italy.  They are fried treats that go by many names: 
Cenci, Crostoli, Frappe, Cioffe


They are also made in different shapes: squares, sheets, strips, diamonds, knots and twisted ribbon. 

Recipe

3 egg yolks
1 egg
1/4 cup whisky or sambuca
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
4 tablespoons sugar
Vegetable oil for deep frying
Confectioner's sugar

In a bowl, beat eggs, sugar, salt and whisky until well blended.  Sift flour with baking powder and add gradually to batter until a stiff dough forms.  Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes.  Divide dough in half; roll each half as thin as possible (noodle thickness).  Cut into strips (5" x1") with a scalloped pastry wheel.

Preheat oil to 375 degrees.  Fry cookies few at a time for 1 minute on each side or until golden brown.  Drain on paper towels.  Dust with confectioner's sugar.  Yields about 4 or more dozens.

What makes this timeless pastry truly heavenly and addictive is their light and crisp texture, which pairs beautifully with a coffee and dessert wine.

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