Cream-Filled Chiacchiere Recipe: Carnival Dessert
Have you ever tasted the delicious cream-filled chiacchiere? They are a typical Carnival dessert, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and I assure you they are a real indulgence!
The cream-filled chiacchiere are a burst of flavor that conquers everyone, young and old. Their preparation requires a bit of time and patience, but the final result will reward you abundantly.
Imagine a crispy and light pastry, filled with delicate custard and covered with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Each bite is a feast for the palate, a perfect mix of textures and flavors that will make your mouth water.
The cream-filled chiacchiere are perfect to enjoy in company, perhaps during a nice snack or as a final dessert for a special lunch. You can prepare them in advance and store them in a tin box, so you can enjoy them even in the following days.
If you have never tried the cream-filled chiacchiere, I highly recommend you do so as soon as possible. You won’t regret it, I assure you!
And you, have you ever prepared or tasted the cream-filled chiacchiere? Let me know your experience in the comments, I’m curious to discover your stories and advice.
Until the next recipe!
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Winter
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tbsps milk
- 2 eggs (large)
- 2 tsps baking powder
- 7 oz milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 egg yolks
Tools
To prepare the cream-filled chiacchiere, no particularly advanced tools are needed. Here are the basic tools that will be useful:
- Bowls
- Pot for cooking the cream
- Spatula
How to Prepare the Cream that Doesn’t Run
To prepare the cream, start by beating the egg yolks with sugar and flour in a large bowl. Meanwhile, bring the milk to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. As soon as the milk reaches a boil, pour the egg, sugar, and flour mixture into the center, stirring vigorously with a manual whisk. Continue cooking for a few minutes, until the cream thickens and becomes smooth. Once ready, remove the custard from the heat and transfer it to a bowl. Cover it directly on the surface with food wrap to prevent the formation of a skin and let it cool completely at room temperature.
To prepare the chiacchiere dough, start by placing the sifted flour in a bowl, add the sugar and baking powder, mixing well. Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the whole eggs, milk, and melted butter. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture begins to firm up, then continue kneading with your hands until you obtain a smooth and even dough. Cut the dough into two equal portions and roll them out separately with a rolling pin, trying to obtain two thin sheets. Spread spoonfuls of custard on the surface of the first sheet, making sure to leave space between them, then cover with the second sheet gently.
Use a sharp knife or a fluted wheel to cut the dough filled with custard, making sure to press the edges to seal them before starting the cooking.
For the fried version, heat a generous amount of peanut oil until it is hot. Then, fry the cream-filled chiacchiere, letting them brown for a few minutes on each side. Handle them gently to avoid them opening during frying.
Once the chiacchiere have turned a nice golden color, remove them from the oil and place them on absorbent paper. Before serving, sprinkle them lightly with powdered sugar.
If you prefer to bake them, place the chiacchiere on a sheet of parchment paper in a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes, until they are crispy and golden. Make sure the oven is preheated to the indicated temperature.
Storage and Variations
If the dough is too thick, it is advisable to add a tablespoon of milk to soften it.
The addition of baking powder is optional.
For an aromatic variant, you can choose to add a liqueur instead of milk.
Using a mixer, you can speed up the preparation of the chiacchiere dough.
Once the chiacchiere are cut, feel free to reuse the dough scraps: knead and roll them out again to form more chiacchiere.
For an alternative filling, try using Nutella or jam as a filling.
For a different final touch, chiacchiere can be dipped in granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar.
If you want a firmer consistency for the custard, consider reducing the amount of milk used in the preparation.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the origin of chiacchiere?
Chiacchiere, also known as frappe or bugie, are typical Carnival sweets in various Italian regions. They are traditionally prepared as fried sweets made from flour, eggs, butter, and sugar dough, usually dusted with powdered sugar. The cream-filled variant adds an extra touch with a delicious custard.
Can I prepare the custard in advance for the chiacchiere?
Absolutely yes! The custard can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Cover the surface of the cream with plastic wrap so that a crust doesn’t form and let it cool completely before using it to fill the chiacchiere.
Can I use other types of filling besides custard?
Certainly, chiacchiere can be filled with various creams or fillings. You can opt for chocolate cream, ganache, lemon cream, or even chantilly cream. It depends on your personal taste and the preferences of your guests!
How long can cream-filled chiacchiere be stored?
Chiacchiere are best when consumed fresh, as the fried dough tends to soften over time. However, if stored in an airtight container, they can last one or two days. Make sure to fill them with cream just before serving to avoid them becoming too soft.
Can I make cream-filled chiacchiere lighter or healthier?
You can experiment with replacing some ingredients with healthier alternatives. For example, you can use whole wheat flours or reduce the amount of sugar in the chiacchiere dough preparation. For the cream, you might opt for lighter versions using skim milk or replacing sugar with natural sweeteners.
