Torcetti Recipes

TORCETTI

Steps:

• Place flour in a large bowl; cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside. In another large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla and 2 cups of the crumb mixture; beat until well blended. Gradually beat in remaining crumb mixture., Turn onto a floured surface; knead for 3-4 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down; divide into 6 portions. Shape each portion into twelve 6-in. ropes about 1/4 in. thick; roll in confectioners' sugar. Shape each rope into a loop. Holding both ends of loop, twist together 3 times., Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Roll warm cookies in additional confectioners' sugar. Cool on wire racks.

ITALIAN TORCETTI COOKIES/BISCOTTI

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder and salt.
• Make a well in the middle and add the vanilla, cream and yolk, mix together with flat beaters or even a fork or spatula, until a soft compact dough forms. Move to a flat surface and knead gently a few times to bring the dough together.
• Remove pieces, roll into ropes, approximately 8 inches (20cm) long, cross the rope in the middle 1-2 times. Place the formed cookies on the prepared cookie sheet, sprinkle with cane or granulated sugar, chill while the oven is pre-heating, approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C).
• Remove from the fridge and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!