Forti

Forti Recipe: Delicious and Nutritious Dish from Slovenia

Region / culture: Slovenia | Preparation time: 2 days | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: This recipe makes approximately 24.

Introduction

Forti is a traditional Italian biscuit (cookie) that is typically enjoyed during the holiday season. These delicious treats are made with a combination of flour, sugar, molasses, almonds, cocoa, and a variety of spices. Forti are perfect for serving at holiday parties or giving as gifts to friends and family.

History

The recipe for Forti has been passed down through generations in Italy. These sweet and spicy biscuits have been a favorite treat during the Christmas season for many Italian families. The combination of rich flavors and crunchy texture make Forti a beloved holiday tradition.

Ingredients

600 g (1 lb 3.5 oz) plain white flour (all purpose flour)
250 g (8 oz) caster (superfine) sugar
250 g (8 oz) molasses
250 g (8 oz) almonds (unshelled)
100 g (3.5 oz) bitter cocoa
80 g (3 oz) butter
a scant 0.1 liter (3.5 fl oz) milk
0.1 liter (3.5 fl oz) fortified red wine
2 eggs
1 egg white
1 pinch powdered yeast
icing (confectioner's) and granulated sugar
0.5 tsp ginger
1 tbsp cloves, crushed
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
salt
0.5 tsp white pepper

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine 50 g (1.75 oz) of butter, molasses, ginger, and mix well.
Add the 2 whole eggs and yeast to the mixture.
Shell the almonds and crush 200 g (7 oz) in a mortar. Add them to the other ingredients.
Sprinkle cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, and ginger through a sieve into the molasses mixture.
Dissolve salt in milk and add it to the mixture. Then, add enough flour to form a consistent and soft dough.
Transfer the dough to a pastry board and knead it with your hands. Return it to the bowl, cover with a cloth or plate, and let it rest for 2 days.
Roll out pieces of the dough, one at a time, to form sheets.
Using a small 7 cm (3 in) diameter mould, cut rounds from the dough sheets. Make a small hole in the center of each round using an upside-down glass, smaller than the original mould, to create small rings.
Crush the remaining almonds in a mortar. Add a little icing sugar (confectioner's sugar) and the egg white to the crushed almonds.
Brush this mixture onto the "ciambelline" and sprinkle with crushed granulated sugar.
Grease a baking tray (cookie sheet) with the remaining butter and bake the biscuits (cookies) in the oven at 180°C / 350°F / gas 4 for 15 minutes.
Using a spatula, remove the biscuits (cookies) from the baking tray and arrange them on one or more pastry racks.
Store the biscuits (cookies) in metal containers for long-lasting freshness.

Variations

Add chopped dried fruit or chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the baked biscuits for a decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the dough rest for 2 days to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Use a small mould to cut out the dough rounds and create the classic ring shape.

- Brush the almond and sugar mixture onto the biscuits before baking for a crunchy topping.

- Store the biscuits in metal containers to keep them fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Forti with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.

Cooking Techniques

Knead the dough until it is soft and consistent, then roll it out and cut into rounds for baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute different nuts or spices in the recipe to customize the flavor of the biscuits.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake the biscuits when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Forti on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Forti with a glass of fortified wine or a cup of spiced tea for a delightful holiday treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Forti in metal containers to keep them fresh. They can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Forti contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Forti contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Forti contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Forti contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Forti contains essential vitamins and minerals from the almonds, cocoa, and spices used in the recipe.

Alergens

Forti contains almonds and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Forti is a sweet and crunchy biscuit that is a delicious treat during the holiday season. It is a source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a satisfying snack.

Summary

Forti is a traditional Italian biscuit that is perfect for enjoying during the holiday season. These sweet and spicy treats are a delicious addition to any festive gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished in my heart. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, filled with tattered index cards and faded scraps of paper. As I sifted through the jumble of recipes, my eyes landed on a delicate, yellowed piece of parchment that caught my attention.

In elegant cursive handwriting, the title read "Forti." I had never heard of this dish before, but something about the name intrigued me. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, memories flooded back to me of a time long ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the culinary secrets of my ancestors.

I remembered my grandmother, a formidable woman with a passion for cooking that knew no bounds. She had taught me everything I knew about the art of cooking, from the basics of chopping and sautéing to the more intricate techniques of braising and baking. I could still hear her voice in my mind, guiding me through each step of a recipe with patience and love.

But the recipe for Forti was different. It was a dish unlike anything I had ever seen before, a tantalizing blend of spices and flavors that hinted at a rich cultural heritage. I knew that I had to learn how to make it, to unlock the secrets of this mysterious dish and add it to my culinary repertoire.

With a sense of determination, I set out to recreate the recipe for Forti. I gathered the ingredients, taking care to select only the freshest and finest quality spices and produce. The aroma of the spices filled my kitchen as I toasted and ground them, infusing the air with a warm, exotic fragrance that transported me back to a time and place I had never known.

As I prepared the dish, I followed the instructions on the recipe card with precision and care. I allowed the flavors to meld and develop, tasting and adjusting until the dish was just right. And when it was finally ready, I took a bite, closing my eyes as the flavors danced on my tongue, a symphony of spices and textures that spoke of generations past.

In that moment, I felt a connection to my ancestors, to the women who had come before me and passed down their culinary wisdom through the ages. I knew that the recipe for Forti was more than just a dish – it was a link to my heritage, a way to honor those who had come before me and preserve their legacy for future generations.

And so, as I savored each mouthful of Forti, I felt a sense of gratitude and fulfillment wash over me. I knew that I had discovered something truly special, a recipe that would become a cherished part of my own culinary legacy. And as I shared the dish with my family and friends, I knew that I was passing on not just a recipe, but a piece of my heritage, a taste of the past that would live on in the hearts and memories of those who came after me.