What beautiful holiday tables there are at this time of year, cheerfully decorated where we gather with friends and family to exchange greetings. This year, as place cards I decided to prepare something edible and cute that my guests can take home before leaving and enjoy later, perhaps with a cup of tea while remembering the lovely evening. Make these mini pandolci place cards yourself and you’ll leave everyone with a sweet memory!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Budget-friendly
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Cooking time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: about 16 pieces
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- cups Manitoba flour
- cups 00 flour
- cups Butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups Sugar
- 1 sachet Baking powder
- cups Raisins
- cup Pine nuts
- 2 1/2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Orange blossom essence (or orange essence)
- 4 Eggs
- 1 pinch Salt
Preparation
Sift the two flours together with the baking powder, then add the other ingredients: sugar, honey, orange blossom essence, eggs, butter (room temperature) and salt. Knead everything for at least 10 minutes (3 minutes if using a stand mixer).
Add the raisins and pine nuts and knead until both are fully incorporated. Take portions of dough weighing about 3 oz (around 80 g) each. Shape into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, pressing them slightly in the center. Make the characteristic triangular cut on the surface with a knife. Bake at 320°F (convection oven) for about 15–20 minutes. As always, baking times depend on the oven type; I recommend the toothpick test. If they are still raw inside, lower the temperature to 302°F and bake for 5 more minutes.
Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack. To prepare your place cards, buy clear bags and ribbon (I preferred red) and small clothespins with Christmas characters. Put each pandolce in a bag, close it with the ribbon and attach a card with the guest’s name using the clothespin. Enjoy your meal!
