Ciambella di San Cataldo

Ciambella is a traditional ellipsoidal-shaped biscuit from the town of San Cataldo in the province of Caltanissetta, in the southwestern part of the island of Sicily. These hard, sugary cookies are made with 00 type flour, sugar, eggs, and a leavening agent. Although the ingredients are simple, the preparation is not, and local bakers unwillingly reveal the tips and tricks that make ciambelle so crispy and good. The eggs must be slowly beaten with the sugar in a bain-marie until the mixture doubles in size, then the flour is carefully added and the biscuits are baked in the oven until they get their characteristical shiny crust. Accompanied by milk or tea, ciambella is often served for breakfast or as a tasty afternoon snack.