Italian Love














As you know I love coffee, adore Italy and everything about Italy, not to mention the food.
So those so delicious biscotti were the perfect accompaniment to my morning coffee time.
And the rest of the family happen to love them too.
Yesterday my husband wasn't feeling well,some cold he cought on the train and decided to stay at home ( he is at home today too by the way) and while our little one was having his nap I decided not to sit down but to make those famous Cantuccini. 
It was lovely because he got involved and in about 20 minutes little monkey woke up so we all made the cantuccini and some more cookies.
It was like a bakery at our home and the smell..to die for!
I remember my great grandma and the smell of her homemade cookies and baking.
She was amazing cook and was famous  with her patisserie.
My aunty and my mum learned from her so much and I am still learning from my mum and aunty.
They are my Gurus in cooking and every time when I don't know how to use something or the exact formula, they are by hand.
This is subject to another post I suppose.
So the Cantuccini I made were appreciated from quite a few people and we still have a few left to enjoy.

I mixed two recipes together as one had ingredients that I did't have ( It was original Italian recipe) and the other one seamed a bit dry.
So here it is:


500 gr self raising flower +200 gr while mixing and kneading the dough

400 gr sugar
100 gr almonds
100 gr walnuts
4 eggs
60 gr melted butter + 10 gr for kneading
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
good splash vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 180C

Mix all the dry ingredients and make a well in the middle. Add all wet ingredients and mix well.
Then add the nuts and knead well till you achieve stiff dough.

Separate the ready dough in equal balls and roll each one under the palms of your hands into cylinder, little shorter then your tray.
Place the logs of dough on a baking sheet, but not too close to each other. Press down gently to flatten them.
Bake for 30 minutes or till well risen - double their size.They should feel firm when pressed with a finger.


  



Let them cool slightly and cut them into 0.5 cm - 1 cm slices.
Bake for another 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.

buon appetito



PS: Here is to say that I looked into making Panettone but after finding out how long it takes to make a real one, I doubt I will ever make it the long way.My husband is the one who likes kneading and the patient one so I will leave it to him to decide to make it or not.Huh..
But who knows I might give it a go one Bright day.

Have a lovely weekend everyone and later I will post the recipe for the other cookies we made.
They are great for children as don't have lots of sugar or butter.Very easy to make too.

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