CASATICA DI BUFALA, QUATTRO PORTONI, ITALY
PASTEURIZED BUFFALO’S MILK
When I met the owner of Quattro Portoni, Bruno, and told him about this pairing, his face lit up in surprise. Coconut and Casatica? Oh, yes! The not-too-sweet macaroons complement the sweetness of the buffalo’s milk. Both are delicate and melt in your mouth.
YIELD: 2 CUPS
PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 30 MINUTES
⅓ cup egg whites plus 2 egg whites
8 ounces granulated sugar
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons smooth applesauce
1 pound unsweetened coconut (also called desiccated coconut)
Preheat the oven to 300°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Pour 3 inches of water into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the ⅓ cup egg whites and the sugar.
Set the mixing bowl over the simmering water. Vigorously whisk the mixture until the sugar is completely melted and it starts to get foamy. Continue to cook and whisk for about 7 to 9 minutes, or until pulling out the whisk leaves a “ribbon” on top for several seconds.
Remove from the heat. Fold in the applesauce and coconut until well combined. The mixture will be pretty sticky.
Add the remaining 2 egg whites. Mix thoroughly.
Roll the mixture into ½-inch balls, and arrange them on the baking sheet. If you have a hard time rolling them because they are sticky, dip your hands in cool water, shake off the excess, and continue to roll into balls. Make sure the macaroons do not touch each other.
Bake at 325°F for approximately 20 minutes, rotating once, or until golden-brown. Keep an eye on them. They will burn easily if your oven has a hot spot or if they’re overcooked.
Once golden, remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Chef’s note: Make ahead. They will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Other cheeses to serve with this accompaniment: Gina Marie Cream Cheese, chèvre, or a mild washed-rind cheese.
Creative suggestion: Dip the macaroons in chocolate and then roll them in cocoa powder to satisfy a sweet-tooth craving.