Sicilian Cream Puffs (TESTA DI TURCO)

Testa di Turco (Moors’ Head) is a Sicilian dessert prepared all over Sicily. On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th) the Teste di Turco are prepared in every Palermo home.

Difficulty: Medium

Cuisine Italian

Keyword desserts

Method Oven

Equipment

4 Qt. Heavy Saucepan
Medium Sauce Pot
12” Covered Skillet with Deep Sides
Large Mixing Bowl
Rolling Pin

INGREDIENTS

PASTRY DOUGH

1 Egg - large
6 oz. Flour
1 quart Vegetable Oil. - For Frying Dough

CREAM FILLING

4 cups Milk
1 ¼ cups Sugar
Grated rind of 1 Lemon
6 Egg Yolks
½ cup Cake Flour - or 1/3 cup Corn Starch
pinch Salt.

Final Assembly

1 Cup Chocolate Chips
Powdered Cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

PASTRY DOUGH
Dust working surface with flour and place dough in center; briefly knead and shape into a single mass. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough evenly to about 1/8 of an inch. Cut into strips 2 to 3 inches wide and about 5 inches long.
Heat the oil over medium heat in Frying Pan and when hot, fry the strips of dough until golden-brown, a few pieces at a time. Set aside on paper towels to absorb oil.
CREAM FILLING
Heat the milk with salt and the rinds of the lemon in the saucepan, on low heat. In a large bowl mix the sugar and the flour or corn starch and add the egg yolks one at a time, stirring with a wire whisk until well homogenized.
When the milk is warm in the sauce pot, add 1 cup to the bowl, stirring continuously to avoid lumping. Increase the heat a little, transfer the egg mixture into the pot with the milk. Continue cooking, stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles; cook for an additional 2 min. Remove from stove, and place in a bowl.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
In a rimmed serving dish, large enough to hold 2 layers of the fried dough, place half of the strips and cover with ¾ of the custard, sprinkle with the chocolate chips and dust with abundant powdered cinnamon.
Cover with remaining strips of fried dough, spread on top the rest of the cream and shake over the colored sprinkles. Place in refrigerator for a few hours and serve cold.