Savoiardi

Savoiardi, also known as Ladyfingers or spoon cookies, are a classic of Italian pastry. Here is a basic recipe to make Savoiardi at home:

Ingredients

• 4 eggs (with yolks and whites separated)
• 100 g of granulated sugar
• 100 g of all-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar as needed for dusting
• A pinch of salt

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (356 °F) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk the yolks with half of the sugar until the mixture is light and frothy.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks with a pinch of salt, gradually adding the remaining sugar until you obtain a glossy and stable meringue.
4. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture, using a spatula to avoid deflating the mixture.
5. Sift the flour over the egg and sugar mixture, and gently incorporate it with delicate bottom-up movements.
6. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a smooth nozzle and form sticks about 10 cm long on the baking sheet, spacing them a little apart.
7. Dust the Savoiardi with powdered sugar and wait a few minutes before dusting them again.
8. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and slightly puffed.
9. Allow to cool completely before using them in dessert preparations or consuming them as dry cookies.

Savoiardi are ideally used to create tiramisu or other recipes requiring a biscuit base that absorbs liquids well. If you can resist the temptation to eat them immediately, they are also perfect for trifles or charlottes. Remember to store the Savoiardi in an airtight container to keep their crispness. Happy baking!