Wine biscuits, also known as ciambelle al vino in Italian, are delightful dry biscuits that have a subtle hint of wine flavor. These biscuits are incredibly easy to make and require just a handful of simple ingredients. Let's explore what goes into making these delicious treats.
1. Flour: The main ingredient in wine biscuits is flour. You can use all-purpose flour or pastry flour, depending on your preference. The flour provides structure and texture to the biscuits.
2. Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added to the dough to give the biscuits a touch of sweetness. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences.
3. Wine: As the name suggests, wine biscuits are made with red or white wine. The wine adds a unique flavor and aroma to the biscuits. You can use any wine of your choice, but it's best to use a dry wine rather than a sweet one. The alcohol in the wine evaporates during baking, leaving behind a subtle wine flavor.
4. Corn seed oil: Corn seed oil is used in the dough to provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together. It adds a light and neutral flavor to the biscuits, allowing the wine flavor to shine through.
5. Baking powder: A small pinch of baking powder is added to the dough to give the biscuits a slight rise. This helps in creating a light and airy texture.
To make wine biscuits, you'll start by combining the flour, sugar, and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Next, you'll add the wine and corn seed oil to the dry ingredients and mix everything together until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky. If it's too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
Once the dough is ready, you can shape it into small rings or circles, resembling traditional Italian ciambelle. You can also shape them into any other desired shape, such as small sticks or twists. The biscuits are then baked in the oven until they turn golden brown and crispy.
The beauty of wine biscuits lies in their simplicity and versatility. You can enjoy them on their own as a snack or pair them with a glass of wine, cheese, or any other accompaniment of your choice. They make a wonderful addition to a cheese platter or can be served as a light dessert.
Wine biscuits are made with flour, sugar, red or white wine, corn seed oil, and a pinch of baking powder. These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful treat with a subtle wine flavor. Whether you're a wine lover or simply looking for a unique biscuit to try, wine biscuits are a must-try delicacy.