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THESE DELICIOUS CAKE LIKE ORANGE RICOTTA COOKIES ARE THE PERFECT TEA OR SNACK COOKIE.  A TASTY  COOKIE TOPPED WITH A CREAMY ORANGE GLAZE.  SO GOOD YOU CAN’T STOP AT JUST ONE.

ORANGE RICOTTA COOKIES

MOST POPULAR – TABLESPOON ITALIAN LEMON CAKE

I never really had much of a relationship with ricotta cheese.  My mother would use it in her lasagna, which I discovered when I moved to the Central area of Italy was a no no.

A creamy bechamel Sauce (white sauce), a simple ground beef red sauce, mozzarella and parmesan were all that was needed. And this was definitely the Perfect Homemade Lasagna.

Later I learned that ricotta cheese is used in a Lasagna recipe from Naples.

But back to these Orange Ricotta Cookies, they definitely taste amazing with the addition of a little ricotta cheese.  Italians love some lemon zest or juice in their cookie or cake recipes.

I decided to change it up a bit with orange instead.  A creamy orange glaze worked perfect too!  And we all know how well orange and chocolate go together!

So I knew a sprinkle of chocolate curls would be just the thing.  These cake like cookies will be a big hit with everyone, and I bet no one will be able to stop at just one!

HOW TO MAKE RICOTTA COOKIES

• In a large bowl beat the ricotta, sugar and butter until creamy, then mix in the egg, vanilla and zest.  Add the flour and baking powder and mix just until combined.
• Drop by spoonfuls on parchment paper lined cookie sheets.
• Bake for about 12 minutes, let the cookies cool then spread with a little orange glaze.
• Top with some chocolate curls or even sprinkles.
• And there you have Italian Ricotta Cookies.

 

RICOTTA COOKIES WITH AN ORANGE FROSTING

HOW TO STORE RICOTTA COOKIES

Cookies should be stored in an airtight container, they will last for about 3 days, just make sure to let the frosting dry before storing.

CAN RICOTTA COOKIES BE FROZEN?

Yes they can be, just be sure to let the icing firm up before freezing.  Place the cookies in a single layer on a cookie        sheet and freeze, once frozen transfer the cookies to an airtight container.

Better still you could freeze the baked cookies before adding the glaze.  Once thawed glaze the cookies before serving.

THAWING THE FROZEN COOKIES

Remove the cookies from the container, let them sit at room temperature to thaw, this is to prevent condensation forming and the cookies becoming soggy.

I hope you enjoy these perfect Tea, Special Occasion or Just Because Cookies as much as we do!

EASY SKILLET ARTICHOKE PASTA, A FAST AND EASY ITALIAN PASTA RECIPE.  FRESH ARTICHOKES AND SPICES TOSSED WITH YOUR FAVOURITE PASTA MAKES THIS THE PERFECT ANY DAY DINNER IDEA.

ARTICHOKE PASTA

MOST POPULAR – TABLESPOON ITALIAN LEMON CAKE

Of all the vegetables we grow Artichokes are the gold vegetable in this family.  We wait in anticipation for the first arrivals, because these are the best, the tenderest and without a choke. Which are perfect for making Artichokes Alla Romana.  Of course the next best thing has to be this Easy Skillet Artichoke Pasta.

This is one veggie that I would slip out of bed in the middle of night, dress in black with a flashlight attached to my head and creep down the street to our communal family garden and fill a bag to overflowing with.

But unfortunately I cannot!  We must share!

I had never eaten an artichoke before, not until I came to Italy.  I just couldn’t get excited about dipping a leave and pulling out the insides.

So when my mother-in-law served up another fast and easy Pasta recipe with sautéed Artichokes and Spaghetti.  I knew this Easy Skillet Artichoke and Spaghetti dish was destined to become another of my favourites.

One thing I learned very quickly when I came to Italy was that there certainly is more to Pasta then just a tomato or meat sauce.  Pasta with some amazing Olive Oil, spices and whatever veggie is in season, makes one of the best meals ever.