 Ricciarelli from Siena | |
| Type | Biscuit |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Siena, Tuscany |
| Main ingredients | Almonds, sugar, honey, egg whites |
Ricciarelli are traditional Italian biscuits – specifically, a type of macaroon – originating in 14th century Siena. It is considered one of the signature sweets of Siena, in addition to panforte, cenci,[1]: 167 and cavallucci.
Legend holds that they were introduced by Ricciardetto della Gherardesca in his castle near Volterra upon his return from the Crusades.[1]: 169 He purportedly said that the "foreign biscuits curled like the Sultan's slippers".[1]: 169 The modern biscuit does not exhibit curling.[2]: 14 In medieval times, they were known as marzapanetti alla senese or morzelletti.[3]: 38 They acquired the name ricciarelli in the 1800s.[3]: 38
An alternative etymology, from the Treccani Italian dictionary, indicates the word ricciarèlli is derived from 'rìccio', meaning 'hedgehog', perhaps for the original form. Particularly when coated with sliced almonds, the cookie looks like a hedgehog.
Today, the biscuits are made using an almond base[4]: 169 with sugar, honey and egg white. When prepared in the traditional method, the almonds are ground with a milling machine, and the finished mix is formed into numerous oval- or lozenge-shaped cookies[4]: 169 of about 20 grams (0.71 oz) each[3]: 39 that are set aside for two days before baking. After baking, they are removed from the oven and allowed to cool for 15 minutes, to prevent the cookies from breaking, before transferring them to wire racks.[1]: 179 They may be baked with rice paper, which is trimmed to the shape of the cookie after they have cooled.[1]: 179 The rough and crackled surface is usually lightly sprinkled with confectioner's sugar, and may also be covered in dark chocolate.[5]: 151
Ricciarelli are typically consumed at Christmas, served with a dessert wine such as Vin Santo[5]: 151 or Moscadello di Montalcino.
Packaged cookies sold at retail are traditionally enveloped in a blue paper tissue depicting two winged horses from the Etruscan Archeological Museum in Volterra.[5]: 151
