Something Sweet

Crunchy almond caramel brittle

 

Ingredients

250 g flaked almonds

250 g sugar

Toast the flaked almonds by placing them in a heavy pan over medium heat until golden brown, stirring often. In another pan, pour the sugar and let it caramelize over low heat, without stirring. When the caramel is golden brown add the almonds and stir quickly. Spread the mixture quickly on a sheet of parchment paper (be careful because the mixture is very hot), cover with another sheet and roll with a rolling pin about half a centimeter thick. Let it cool down and break it into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Fresh pasta

Twisted Cavatelli (my version) 

Ingredients - serves 4

300 g double-zero flour

60 g  semolina

Sift flours together and form a mound. Make a well in the middle and pour ½ cup of warm salted water. At first use a fork to combine and then use your hands until the dough begins to form. Add water by the tablespoon until dough comes together and knead for about 10 minutes until soft and  elastic. Form a ball and let set for about half an hour, covered with a kitchen cloth. Divide the dough into 4 pieces and roll each piece to ½ inch thick rope, working from the center to the edges to maintain an even thickness. Cut the rope into ¼ inch wide pieces and wrap each piece around a knitting needle until it slightly curls. 

For this version of "cavatelli" I twisted the dough a few times around the knitting needle. Arrange on a floured tray and leave to dry. Cooking pasta takes only a few minutes.

Beverages

Spiced coffee - serves 4

Ingredients:

4 cups of hot coffee

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 small glass of grappa

4 teaspoons of sugar

40 g of grated dark chocolate

Gather all the ingredients in a saucepan and heat over a low flame until the chocolate has melted. Pour into 4 glasses and decorated, if you wish, with semi whipped cream and cocoa powder.