TARALLUCCI CASALESI

Tarallucci are also known as "Celli Ripieni" in other parts of Abruzzo. They are made with a very crumbly pasta, oil and wine filled with grape jam enriched with chocolate, toasted almonds and a little rum.

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 1 lb. black grape jam
• 1/2 cup of dark cocoa
• 1/2 cup grated chocolate
• 1 cup chopped roasted almonds
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 orange zest
• 2 tablespoons rum 
• Few tablespoons of espresso coffee

Preparing the Filling

In a saucepan put the jam with almonds, chocolate, orange peel and rum. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Cool and store in refrigerator in a covered jar. (This can be done a day or two prior to baking.)

Ingredients for dough:

1.5 lb. unbleached flour

2 cups of olive oil

1 cup white wine

1 tablespoon of sugar

Procedure for the dough:

In a large bowl, pour the oil, wine and sugar.

Sprinkle in the flour and mix.

Work the dough for 10 minutes or so until it is elastic.

Shape into a ball and let it rest for 15 minutes.

After resting, take the dough and spread thinly in the shape of an oval.

Put a spoonful of filling and close on itself. Cut off the excess dough with wheel and bring the ends to the center.

Place them in a baking pan covered with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven (350 degrees) for 25 to 30 minutes.

When cooked, place them on a tray and dust with powdered sugar.