Cenci: Tuscany’s Timeless Carnival Treats You Must Try

If you haven't tried Cenci yet, you're missing out! These delicate Tuscan sweets are a delicious treat for Carnival. Curious how to make them?

Unraveling the Charm of Cenci

When I first encountered Cenci, the traditional Tuscan carnival treat, it felt like unearthing a piece of history. These sweet, irregularly shaped pastries, often compared to chiacchiere, are more than just desserts; they embody the spirit of Carnival in Tuscany. Crafted with love and simplicity at places like Opera Waiting in Poggibonsi, each bite is an experience that resonates with nostalgia and culinary artistry.

The magic lies in their delicate preparation, which involves patience—something I’ve learned through trial and error in my kitchen adventures. As I mixed the ingredients one rainy afternoon, the aroma of citrus wafted through my home like a warm hug from Italy itself.

The Ingredients That Create Magic

What truly sets Cenci apart is its simplicity paired with high-quality ingredients. At Opera Waiting, they honor local produce by using organic Sicilian citrus peels and fine Italian flour. Their recipe embraces a few key elements:

• 1250g flour 00
• 850g sugar
• 120g butter
• 5 whole eggs
• zest and juice of one bio lemon and orange
• 80g white wine and 20g rum for depth
• A sprinkle of aromatic powdered sugar with rum and cacao butter for finishing touch.

In crafting your Cenci, start by mixing flour, sugar, yeast, and salt before adding butter—the scent brings back memories from kitchens where my grandmother baked alongside me.

The Art of Rolling & Frying

After mixing everything into a smooth dough—an essential step that took me multiple attempts to perfect—you’ll need to let it rest overnight in the fridge. This resting period? Absolutely crucial! It allows flavors to meld beautifully as if telling stories during their slumber.

Once rested, roll out the dough until it’s nearly translucent (which was harder than it sounds!), cut them into diamond shapes or strips with scissors for that authentic touch. If you think this might be messy—you’re not wrong! But trust me; every drop will be worth it once those golden pieces hit the hot oil at precisely 180°C!

Final Touches Before Serving: Sweetness Overload!

As I fried my first batch (with slight trepidation), I remembered watching old Italian chefs fry theirs—a moment filled with passion amidst sizzling sounds filling up air spaces like laughter shared among friends at family dinners.

• A brief fry yields crispy treats reminiscent of holiday celebrations!
• Sprinkle generously with aromatic powdered sugar infused with rum—and you’ve got yourself quite the delight!

FAQs About Cenci: Get Your Questions Answered!

What can I serve with Cenci?
Pair these delightful pastries with a cup of tea or even dessert wine! They offer a charming balance against slightly bitter beverages.

Can I store leftover Cenci?
Absolutely! Just ensure they’re stored in an airtight container but enjoy them fresh—they’re best when still warm from frying.

nEach time I’ve made these heavenly treats is marked by laughter around me—an embrace shared across tables adorned perfectly where traditions meet innovation.

Photo by Marco Priore on Unsplash