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‘Settembrini’ fig biscuits

⏱ 20 min🍳 30 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

Here are some delicious biscuits to make at home during September, the month when one finds ‘settembrini’ figs, so sweet and succulent that they melt in your mouth. You may be really lucky and have a wonderful fig tree in the garden packed full of ripe fruit, or, if not, maybe on the way to the market this morning you’ll come across a fantastic basket of tempting, mature, sweet figs. How could you resist? What better opportunity to create these extraordinary biscuits filled with fig jam? Homemade pastry, a little fig jam, and you're done: tomorrow at breakfast you’ll have ‘settembrini’ fig biscuits with milk for everyone. Both children and adults will be delighted, especially those who have tried the commercial variety and want to make these little works of confectionary art at home!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
38g
Fat
12g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Total time
30 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Prepare the shortcrust pastry following the basic recipe. Roll out with a rolling pin on a floured work surface and with a pastry cutter cut out pastry circles. Put a teaspoon of jam in the centre of each pastry circle and then fold over and seal the edges. Once all the biscuits are made, arrange them on a baking sheet and cook in oven at 180°C for 30 min.

Tips
Do not overfill the biscuits with jam, and seal the edges well in order to avoid any unpleasant leakage. If you like the visual effect, you can seal the edges with the prongs of a fork or simply use your fingers. Moreover, don’t set the oven temperature too high: the biscuits are small and the pastry is thin, which makes them easy to burn! Also, pay attention to the cooking time which can be variable from oven to oven: in the recipe we suggest 30 minutes but less may be sufficient.
Trivia
Biscuits were invented by the British, who were looking for a bread that could withstand long journeys by sea and thereby feed the sailors during the voyage, without mould or going off in any way. The idea was to make a flat, dry bread and cook it twice - hence the name ‘bi-cuit’ – ‘twice cooked’. Later, a baker had the idea of taking this bread and adding butter and sugar. The deed was done: biscuits were born.

Step by step

Shape
Shape
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Additional information

Settembrini with Peach Jam

The Settembrini can be prepared with various types of jam. One of the tastiest is definitely peach jam, which gives the cookies a fresh and fruity flavor. To make this variant, simply replace the neutral jam with peach jam, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the shortcrust pastry. The preparation remains the same: roll out the shortcrust pastry and fill with a teaspoon of peach jam before folding it into a crescent shape. The result will be a cookie with an enveloping aroma, ideal for accompanying an afternoon tea or for enjoying at breakfast. The peach jam, in addition to making the Settembrini even more delicious, will bring a touch of color and liveliness to your plate.

Venetian Settembrini

This traditional recipe lends itself to being reinterpreted in a regional key, while always maintaining its essence. The Venetian Settembrini are a typical preparation from Veneto, where the shortcrust pastry is often enriched with local ingredients. By using artisanal jams, such as sour cherry jam, it is possible to enhance the authentic flavor of this Venetian specialty. Baking in the oven at 180° for 30 minutes allows for a perfect golden color, making the cookies crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This regional variant not only celebrates the culinary tradition of Veneto but also offers an opportunity to discover the unique flavors of local jams, which can vary from season to season.

Light Settembrini with Sugar-Free Jam

For those who wish to enjoy the Settembrini without giving up a balanced diet, it is possible to make a light version using sugar-free jam. Replacing traditional jam with a fruit-based one without added sugars not only reduces calories but also allows the fresh and fruity flavors of the cookies to remain intact. The shortcrust pastry can also be made with whole wheat flour and light butter for a lighter and healthier result. This variant is excellent for those following a controlled diet, without compromising the pleasure of a homemade sweet. The light Settembrini are perfect for a healthy and tasty snack, ideal even for children.

Benefits of Shortcrust Pastry and Jams: Calories and Nutritional Properties

Although Settembrini are a dessert, they can offer some nutritional benefits if prepared with quality ingredients. Shortcrust pastry, if made with whole wheat flour, provides fiber that is useful for digestion. Additionally, jams, especially if homemade, can contain vitamins and antioxidants derived from fruit. For example, peach jam is rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system. In terms of calories, a Settembrini cookie made with peach jam and traditional shortcrust pastry can contain about 100-120 calories. By opting for lighter variants, such as those without sugar, it is possible to further reduce the caloric intake, making these sweets more suitable for different dietary needs.

Can Settembrini be Frozen?

A common question concerns the storage of Settembrini and, in particular, whether they can be frozen. The answer is yes, Settembrini can be frozen! To do this, it is advisable to let them cool completely after baking and then store them in an airtight container or in food bags, separating them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. This way, you can maintain their freshness and flavor for several weeks. When you want to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven to regain their crispness. This is a practical solution to always have a homemade sweet available, ready for any occasion!