Salty Baci di Dama

Salty Baci di Dama are a tasty variant of the more famous sweet Baci di Dama, traditional cookies from Piedmont. The salty ones are perfect as an aperitif or snack.

Ingredients

• 100 grams of almond flour
• 100 grams of all-purpose flour
• 100 grams of cold butter from the fridge
• 80 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
• A pinch of salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 or 2 teaspoons of cold water (if necessary)

For the “filling”:

• Cream cheese of choice (for example a cream of goat cheese, gorgonzola, or stracchino)
• Or an olive pate, mushroom pate, etc.

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix the almond flour with the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan, salt, and a touch of pepper.
2. Cut the butter into cubes and add it to the flours. Work quickly with your fingertips until you get a sandy mixture.
3. If the dough is too dry, you can add 1 or 2 teaspoons of cold water to help compact the mixture.
4. Form a ball with the dough, wrap it in cling film and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Take the dough from the fridge, form small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly press down each ball to give it the typical “kiss” shape.
6. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 160 °C (320 °F) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let the salty cookies cool down.

To assemble the Salty Baci di Dama:

1. Spread a small amount of cream cheese or pate on a cookie and then close it with another cookie to form a “kiss”.
2. Continue until all ingredients are used up.

Curiosity

It’s interesting to note that Baci di Dama are named this way because the two cookies resemble two lips meeting in a kiss. While the sweet version is typical of Piedmont, this salty version is a modern creation that lends itself well to creative reinterpretations as an appetizer!