Teresa's Recipes
Paste Di Meliga
Paste di Meliga are delightful traditional Italian shortbread cookies hailing from the picturesque region of Piedmont. These unique cookies are made with a blend of finely ground cornmeal and fragrant lemon zest, creating a subtly sweet and buttery treat that melts in your mouth. Perfect for a sweet breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or as a delightful snack, these cookies are not just a treat, but a piece of Italian heritage. Historically, these cookies were often made during special occasions and festivities, symbolizing the warmth and hospitality of Italian culture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- 2 large Eggs
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup, softened Unsalted butter
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Sugar: 5g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the lemon zest until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and baking powder until well combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle for a decorative finish.
- Pipe small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.
- You can substitute orange zest for lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep.