SFINCE AKA SFINGE: THE DELICIOUS SICILIAN ST.JOSEPH’S DAY RICOTTA CREAM PUFFS

Sfinci di San Giuseppe, also known as St. Joseph’s Day Cream Puffs, are a traditional Italian dessert enjoyed on St. Joseph’s Day.

These delicious cream puffs are typically filled with a sweet ricotta cream and often adorned with a cherry on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Traditional: Perfect for honoring St. Joseph’s Day or any special occasion.
• Deliciously Decadent: Light choux pastry pairs beautifully with sweet, zesty ricotta filling.
• Fun to Make: A rewarding baking project with an impressive presentation.

Servings: 12 cream puffs

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Cooling Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry:

• ½ cup water
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs

For the Sweet Ricotta Filling:

• 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup candied orange peel (optional)
• Maraschino cherries, for garnish

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Method

Prepare the Choux Pastry:

1. Heat the Ingredients:
   In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium until the mixture boils and the butter melts.
2. Incorporate the Flour:
   Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the flour all at once. Mix vigorously until the dough forms a smooth ball.
3. Cook the Dough:
   Return the saucepan to low heat and stir for 1–2 minutes to dry out the dough. A thin film should form on the bottom of the pan.
4. Cool and Add Eggs:
   Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let cool slightly. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
5. Shape and Bake:
   Preheat the oven to 370°F (190°C). Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for expansion. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Prepare the Sweet Ricotta Filling:

1. In a bowl, mix the ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and candied orange peel (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Cream Puffs:

1. Cut the Puffs:
   Once the puffs have cooled, slice off the top third of each puff with a serrated knife.
2. Fill the Puffs:
   Spoon or pipe the ricotta filling generously into the bottom half of each puff.
3. Finish and Garnish:
   Replace the tops of the puffs and dust with powdered sugar. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry for a traditional touch.

Tips for Success

• Avoid Overmixing: When adding eggs to the dough, mix just until smooth to avoid a runny consistency.
• Prevent Deflation: Don’t open the oven during the first 20 minutes of baking to ensure proper puffing.
• Fresh Ricotta: Use high-quality ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Nutritional Facts (Per Cream Puff)

A Traditional Italian Delight

Celebrate St. Joseph’s Day with these indulgent Sfinci di San Giuseppe.

Their light and airy texture combined with the creamy ricotta filling is a perfect homage to Italian culinary tradition.

Whether for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these cream puffs are sure to impress. Buon appetito!