ITALIAN PEPPER BISCUITS RECIPES

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in water.
• Sift flour salt and pepper onto mixing board.
• Make a well in the center and add yeast and oil.
• Blend together and gradually incorporate into flour.
• The dough will be stiff.
• Knead 10 minutes.
• Place in oiled bowl, turn to coat, cover with towel and let rise until doubled in bulk.
• Preheat oven to 375º.
• Break off small pieces of dough and roll into ropes about 6 inches long.
• Form a ring and pinch edges together.
• Place on baking sheet and let rise 20 minutes.
• Brush with oil and bake 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Steps:

• In a large bowl dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let stand for 5 minutes.
• Add the olive oil and 4 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until well incorporated and the pepper and a more flour a little at a time until the dough is able to be kneaded.
• Place dough on a floured board and add more flour. Make sure dough remains moist. It should be slightly more moist than normal bread dough. Knead dough for 5 minutes. Cover with a warm moist cloth and let rise in a warm place for about 3 hours.
• Place almonds and about 2 cups of water in a small saucepan and bring almost to a boil. Let sit for 10 minutes. Drain and peel then place the almonds on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
• Once dough is ready, divide it into thirds and roll each third out to 1/4 inch thick squares. Cut into 1 inch wide strips. Place about 3 or 4 almond in a row on end of the strips and fold the other end over and seal the nuts well. Twist dough together to form rings and pinch ends together. They should be about 2 to 2 1/2 inch rings. Place the rings on a parchment lined baking sheet.
• Bake in a preheat 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 30 minutes or until nice and brown. To make them more crispy place them in a roasting pan and return to the oven as it cools.