These little Italian Snowballs, or Bolle di Neve, are usually made with almonds, but I have made mine here with pecans.These are really delicate and are a good gift to take to a dinner party during the festive season – if you have any left after tasting them! They look so classy when they are gift wrapped in an
elegant Christmas box.
Makes 24
Ingredients:
– 250g plain flour
– 220g pecans, finely chopped
– 200g butter, softened
– 60g caster sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
– icing sugar, for dusting
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 160°C/gas 140°C/gas 3. Line 2 baking trays with baking parchment.
2. Place the flour, pecans, butter, sugar and vanilla paste into a mixing bowl and beat
together until combined. Roll the dough into 3cm balls and place on the lined trays. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
3. Sift the icing sugar into a shallow bowl. Remove the biscuits from the oven and leave for 5 minutes before rolling in the icing sugar while still warm. Dust again when cool.
Optional: Mix a little edible golden shimmer powder into the icing sugar to catch a glimmer from the twinkle lights.
How is it that Italians live so well? They refuse to compromise on ingredients, they eat with the seasons, they enjoy large and leisurely lunches with family and they respect food: work, life, family revolve around it rather than the other way around.
In her book, Catherine Fulvio celebrates all that is great about Italian food and food culture with over 100 new recipes for the good life. Structured to mirror the Mediterranean Food Pyramid, and including stunning photography and tips for introducing artisan Irish produce, you too will be inspired to Eat Like an Italian and inject some bellissimo into your life. To buy your copy visit www.gillmacmillanbooks.ie.