Cassatina

Cassatina is a traditional Sicilian dessert consisting of a pastry filled with ricotta cheese and chocolate chips, coated with fondant, and often decorated with candied fruits and nuts. The pastry is typically made with puff pastry or shortcrust pastry and filled with a mixture of sweetened ricotta cheese and chocolate chips, then shaped in a round form. The top is coated with a layer of fondant, which gives it a smooth and shiny appearance and can be decorated with candied fruits and nuts. This dessert is a classic Sicilian pastry and is a perfect treat for any occasion; it is sweet, creamy, and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry or shortcrust pastry
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup of chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup of candied fruits and nuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup of fondant

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C).
2. Roll out the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and cut it into a round shape.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sugar, egg yolk and chocolate chips. Mix well.
4. Place the mixture in the center of the round pastry and fold the edges of the pastry to form a round shape.
5. Brush the top of the pastry with egg wash.
6. Bake the pastry in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let it cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a plate.
8. Melt the fondant in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, pour the fondant over the pastry and spread it evenly.
9. Decorate the top with candied fruits and nuts (if desired)
10. Let it cool for another 10 minutes before serving.