I asked Renato to provide me with his recipe for Pastini. He is always willing to share his vast knowledge of local sweets and pastries and I am surprised as this is such an easy recipe with very few ingredients.
Citrus, almonds, a moist soft texture with a fine crispy crust….. They are so easy to make and although I have piped them, you can also make them without using a piping bag and simply roll them in some ground almonds.
This recipe yields 35 to 40 Pastini.
Preheat oven to 160 C
You will need:
250g ground almonds
250g caster sugar
Grated zest of 1/2 lemon
3 drops good vanilla extract
2 egg whites
40 g glacé cherries
I have also added the grated zest of half an orange in mine as I love the flavor of local oranges.
You will also need a piping bag with a star nozzle but this is optional.
In a large bowl mix the ground almonds, sugar, lemon zest and vanilla. Gradually add the egg whites one by one until you achieve a dropping consistency. If necessary add another egg white.
If you are using a piping bag, prepare it with a star nozzle. Line a baking tray with baking paper and pipe the Pastini onto the baking sheet
If you are not using a piping bag, dust your hands with ground almonds and using a small cookie scoop roll into balls and place onto the baking sheet.
Cut the cherries into quarters and decorate each Pastina with a cherry.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Leave to cool on baking tray.
![Maltese Village Cookies [Biskuttini tar-rahal] - no added fats](https://i1.wp.com/leahogg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Maltese-Village-Cookies-.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=200%2C200)
I remember these well. My mother used to make them. I am enjoying your delicious cookies and espresso, just thinking about it..
Thank you Jovina, did she also put the red cherry on top ?
How beautiful – and perfect for Passover (unleavened!)
Thank you so much, yes they would be perfect !
oooh looks and sounds absolutely delish!
Thank you so very much for your comment !
🙂
Lea they are divine anna.
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Thank you Anna, have a lovely Easter !
These look beautiful and sound delicious!
thank you Laura, let me know if you make them !
These look absolutely delicious…..
Thank you, they are !
looks absolutely delicious. vw
Thank you !
🙂
35 to 40 Pastini is just enough for 10 normal humans, 6 Cajuns and one Jueseppi….we need to bake more! From your secret fan.
Reblogged this on The ObamaCrat™.
These look so pretty and tasty, i will definitely try them over the weekend and let you know how it went Xx
Thank you so much, look forward to hearing from you!