Amaretti with Alchermes are a traditional Italian dessert that combines the crunchiness of amaretti with the unique and aromatic flavor of Alchermes, an herbal and spiced liqueur. Making amaretti with Alchermes requires simple ingredients, resulting in a wonderful taste and aroma!
To prepare amaretti with Alchermes, start by mixing chopped almonds, sugar, and egg whites to create a dense dough. Add Alchermes to this dough, which not only gives a deep red color but also enriches the dessert with an unmistakable fragrance. After forming small balls, they are baked in the oven until they achieve a crunchy exterior and a soft interior.
Amaretti with Alchermes can be served during the holidays, accompanied by a small glass of sweet wine, to further enhance their flavors. Furthermore, their presentation can be enriched with decorations such as powdered sugar or nuts, making them perfect for any special occasion.
What is Alchermes?
Alchermes is a sweet and aromatic liqueur of Italian origin, known for its characteristic bright red color. It is made with a blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and nutmeg, along with sugar and alcohol. Traditionally, the red color was obtained using a natural dye derived from cochineal, an insect, although today artificial coloring is often used.
Alchermes is often used in pastry to flavor sweets and desserts, like the Florentine zuccotto, or to soak sponge cake. It is a typical ingredient in Tuscan cuisine and is also used in some ice cream recipes.
READ ALSO:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 1 Hour
- Portions: 25 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups almond flour
- bitter almonds (or two drops of almond essence)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 lemon zest
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tbsp Alchermes (2 tablespoons)
- sugar (for garnishing)
- vanillin
Tools
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Baking Tray
- Oven
- Parchment Paper
Steps
Dough Preparation:
In a large bowl, mix almond flour with granulated sugar. Finely chop the bitter almonds and add them to the flour.
In another bowl, lightly beat the egg whites with a fork. They should not be whisked but just mixed until smooth.
Add grated lemon zest, vanilla, and Alchermes to the egg whites. Mix well to combine all liquid ingredients.Combining Ingredients:
Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl with almond flour and sugar. Mix until you get a soft and sticky dough.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. This resting time will help firm up the dough slightly.Preparation for Baking:
After resting, preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare a bowl with cold water and add a bit of Alchermes to lightly perfume it.
Shaping the Cookies:
Wet your hands in the perfumed water to prevent the dough from sticking. Take small portions of dough and form balls about the size of a walnut.
Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar, then place on the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Drying and Baking:
Let the cookies air dry for a few hours. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture during baking.
Bake the cookies in the preheated ovenBaking: 320°F (160°C) until colored (about 15 min.) in a preheated convection oven. Makes 23-25 amaretti to bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
Cooling:
Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a rack before serving.
Variations and Notes
Here are some ideas and recipes you can consider to enrich your culinary experience with this delicious dessert.
One of the most popular variations is the coffee amaretto, where the amaretti are soaked in a mixture of coffee and Alchermes, creating an intense and aromatic flavor. This version is perfect for those who love desserts with a touch of caffeine and can be served as a cake base or as a spoon dessert.
Another interesting option is the tart with amaretti and jam, where the amaretti are crumbled and mixed with fruit jam, creating a sweet and fragrant filling. This recipe is ideal for a snack or a dessert to serve at the end of a meal.
You can also try making an English trifle with amaretti and Alchermes, a traditional Italian dessert that combines layers of custard, amaretti soaked in Alchermes, and sponge cake. This variation is particularly appreciated for its creamy texture and enveloping flavor.
Finally, for a touch of freshness, you can add lemon or orange zest to the amaretto dough, which will give a citrus aroma and a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the dessert. This simple modification can make a big difference in the final flavor.
Finally, for a touch of freshness, you can add lemon or orange zest to the amaretto dough, which will give a citrus aroma and a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the dessert. This simple modification can make a big difference in the final flavor.
