Procedure for Candles Stuffed with Mortadella and Pistachio

• Put the pistachio in a small food processor and reduce it to rather fine granules. Alternatively, the granules can be purchased ready-made. For making the stuffed savory candles with mortadella and pistachio, I used sandwich bread, the long slices without crust.

• To prevent the slices from breaking, place them on a cutting board and press them slightly with a rolling pin.

• To avoid making the candles all the same height and create movement, leave one slice whole, cut a 0.39-inch strip from the long side of the second, and cut a 0.79-inch strip from the third.

• Using a spatula, spread cream cheese on the three slices of bread, setting aside some for the external coating.

• After spreading the cheese, place very thin slices of mortadella on the bread, trying not to let them protrude from the side edges of the bread.

• To prevent the bread from sticking, do not let the mortadella reach the upper edge of the sandwich bread slice.

• Now, roll starting from the short side closest to you and squeeze the roll tightly, always being careful not to break the bread.

• Wrap the sandwich roll cylinders with cling film and close them like a candy. Place on a plate and refrigerate for a few hours or even overnight.

• To make the pistachio granules, put pistachios in a small mixer for a few seconds. If desired, the granules can be bought ready-made at the supermarket or bakery.

• Spread a thin layer of the reserved cheese over the entire surface of the candles and cover them with pistachio granules.

• Spread some cheese on the base of each candle and place them in the center of the tray. This will help keep them steady.

• Use mayonnaise to level the top of the candles and create wax drops all around the edge.

• Remove the stem from the peppers and skewer them with a halved toothpick, then place them in the center of the candle.

• Let’s say the creative part is completed, now all that’s left is to place the marinated items, olives, arugula, and parmesan flakes. Finally, decorate with fennel fronds scattered here and there.

• I hope you enjoyed the recipe.

  Merry Christmas to you and your families!