 Ricciarelli from Siena | |
| Type | Macaroon |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Siena,Tuscany |
| Main ingredients | Almonds,sugar,honey,egg whites |
Ricciarelli are a type ofbiscuit originating in 14th-centurySiena, Italy. It is considered one of the signature sweets of Siena, in addition topanforte,cenci,[1]: 167 andcavallucci.
Legend holds that they were introduced byRicciardetto della Gherardesca in his castle nearVolterra upon his return from theCrusades.[1]: 169 He purportedly said that the "foreign biscuits curled like the Sultan's slippers".[1]: 169 The modern biscuit does not exhibit curling.[2]: 14 In medieval times, they were known asmarzapanetti alla senese ormorzelletti.[3]: 38 They acquired the namericciarelli in the 1800s.[3]: 38
An alternative etymology, from theTreccani Italian encyclopaedia, indicates that the wordricciarèlli derives fromrìccio, meaning 'hedgehog', perhaps for the original form. Particularly when coated with sliced almonds, the biscuit looks like a hedgehog.
Today, the biscuits are made using analmond base[4]: 169 withsugar,honey, andegg white. When prepared in the traditional method, the almonds are ground with amilling machine, and the finished mix is formed into numerous oval- or lozenge-shaped biscuits[4]: 169 of about 20 grams (0.71 oz) each[3]: 39 that are set aside for two days before baking. After baking, they are removed from the oven and allowed to cool for 15 minutes, to prevent the biscuits from breaking, before transferring them to wire racks.[1]: 179 They may be baked withwafer paper, which is trimmed to the shape of the biscuit after they have cooled.[1]: 179 The rough and crackled surface is usually lightly sprinkled withconfectioners' sugar, and may also be covered indark chocolate.[5]: 151
Ricciarelli are typically consumed atChristmas, served with adessert wine such asVin Santo[5]: 151 orMoscadello di Montalcino.
Packaged biscuits sold at retail are traditionally enveloped in a blue paper tissue depicting two winged horses from theEtruscan Archeological Museum in Volterra.[5]: 151
Media related toRicciarelli at Wikimedia Commons
