KING ARTHUR FIORI DI SICILIA RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F If you're making shaped cookies using a cookie press, chill two ungreased baking sheets in the freezer while you make the dough.
• Beat together the butter, sugar, cream cheese, salt, vanilla, Fiori di Sicilia, and zest.
• Beat in the egg yolk, then stir in the flour.
• If you're using a cookie press, follow the directions that come with the press to pipe cookies onto the chilled baking sheets.
• If you're not using a cookie press, simply drop the dough by the teaspoonful onto the ungreased baking sheets. Top with coarse white sparkling sugar or colored sugar, if desired.
• Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until they're brown around the edges.
• Remove from the oven, and wait 5 minutes before transferring the cookies to racks to cool. Be sure to move the cookies before they're totally cool, as otherwise they may stick to the baking sheet.
• Store completely cool cookies airtight, at room temperature, for up to a week; freeze for longer storage.

Steps:

• To make the crust: Whisk together the flour, almond flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt.
• Mix in the butter until evenly crumbly.
• Press into a 9" to 10" springform pan, pushing firmly up the sides. Prick the bottom of the crust all over with a fork. Chill in the freezer, uncovered, for 15 minutes or so, while you preheat the oven to 375°F
• Remove from the freezer, and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, until the crust is lightly browned at the edges. Set aside to cool while you make the filling.
• To make the filling: Slowly mix the cream cheese and sugar until well blended, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl.
• Mix in the eggs one at time, then the cream, flavorings, and zest.
• Pour the filling into the baked crust, and reduce the oven heat to 325°F Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until the cheesecake is set around the edges (a 4" to 5" circle in the center will remain soft).
• Turn the oven off, prop the door open, and let the cheesecake sit for an hour.
• Run a knife or spatula around the edges. Cool for several hours.
• Just before serving, top as desired.