Cucidati II

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 lb (454g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 lb (227g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 lb (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chopped mixed candied fruit (such as orange, lemon, and citron)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup (120ml) golden raisins
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup (60ml) orange zest
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt

Preparation Time:

• 45 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 20-25 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in the Marsala wine.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the candied fruit, cranberries, raisins, almonds, orange zest, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
8. Form the dough into 2-inch (5cm) balls.
9. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches (5cm) apart.
10. Brush the dough balls with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water).
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are set.
12. Let the Cucidati II cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 Cucidato II):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Sweet and chewy
• Rich with the flavors of Italy
• Perfect for dessert or a teatime treat

User Comments:

• "These Cucidati II are absolutely delicious! I love the combination of flavors."
• "They're so easy to make and they always turn out perfectly."
• "I've never had a cookie like this before. It's so unique and flavorful."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have Marsala wine, you can substitute another sweet white wine, such as Moscato d'Asti.
• To make the Cucidati II ahead of time, bake them according to the instructions and then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.