Torcetti

Name: Torcetti
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 dozen.
Ingredients: 5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cold butter, cubed; 1 cup shortening; 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm milk (110° to 115°); 2 eggs; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups confectioners' sugar; Additional confectioners' sugar

Our Sicilian grandmother often had my sister and I roll out the dough for these tasty "Torcetti." Their melt-in-your-mouth goodness is not too sweet.—Joy Quici, Upland, California

Ingredients

5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup shortening
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
2 eggs
1 tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners' sugar
Additional confectioners' sugar

Directions

Place flour in a large bowl; cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla and 2 cups of the crumb mixture; beat until well blended. Gradually beat in remaining crumb mixture.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead for 3-4 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down; divide into six portions. Shape each portion into twelve 6-in. ropes, about 1/4-in. thick; roll in confectioners' sugar. Shape each rope into a loop. Holding both ends of loop, twist together three times.
Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Roll warm cookies in additional confectioners' sugar. Cool on wire racks.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 102 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.

Originally published as Torcetti in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2008