Chiacchiere - Italian Carnival Sweet Treat

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, lemon zest, and salt.
2. 2.
   Make a well in the center and add the eggs, melted butter, and white wine.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin sheet using a rolling pin or pasta machine.
6. 6.
   Cut the dough into rectangular or diamond shapes, approximately 3 inches long.
7. 7.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
8. 8.
   Fry the Chiacchiere in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side.
9. 9.
   Remove the fried pastries using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, dust the Chiacchiere generously with powdered sugar.
11. 11.
    Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemon zest — Make sure to use organic lemons and wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any pesticide residue.
• Dry white wine — Choose a wine that you would enjoy drinking, as it will contribute to the flavor of the Chiacchiere. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with an equal amount of apple juice.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispy texture, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the Chiacchiere.
• Dust the Chiacchiere with powdered sugar just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes to add variety to your Chiacchiere presentation.
• For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the Chiacchiere with honey or chocolate sauce.
• Store the Chiacchiere in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Chiacchiere as a delightful snack during Italian Carnival celebrations or as a sweet ending to a meal. They pair wonderfully with a cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Chiacchiere on a platter, dusted with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an elegant presentation. Serve them alongside a bowl of powdered sugar for guests to sprinkle on top according to their preference.