Baci di Dama: A Piedmontese Delight

I Lady Kisses are a typical traditional Piedmontese dessert, originating in the city of Tortona. These small pastries are composed of two almond or hazelnut biscuits joined by a layer of dark chocolate. Their shape recalls two kissing lips, hence their romantic name. According to legend, the Lady Kisses were created in the 19th century to delight the Savoy court, and soon became one of the symbols of Italian pastry making.

L’origine esatta del nome “Baci di Dama” è avvolta nel mistero, ma una cosa è certa: la loro popolarità è cresciuta esponenzialmente nel corso degli anni. La ricetta tradizionale prevede l’uso di ingredienti semplici ma di alta qualità, che rendono questo dolce irresistibile. Il successo dei Lady Kisses è dovuto non solo al loro gusto, ma anche alla loro eleganza e semplicità. Sono perfetti per ogni occasione, dal tè pomeridiano a un raffinato dessert dopo cena.

Traditional Recipe and Variants

Ingredients:

• 200g almonds or hazelnuts
• 200g butter
• 200g sugar
• 200g flour
• 100g dark chocolate

Preparation:

1. Toasting almonds or hazelnuts and chop them finely.
2. Mix flour with sugar and softened butter, then add chopped almonds or hazelnuts.
3. Knead until smooth, then form into small balls of about 2 cm in diameter.
4. Place the balls on a baking tray covered with baking paper and bake in a preheated oven at 160°C for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Once cooled, join the biscuits in pairs with some melted dark chocolate in the centre.

The variants of the Lady Kisses sono molteplici. Alcuni preferiscono utilizzare nocciole al posto delle mandorle, mentre altri aggiungono un tocco di vaniglia o di cannella all’impasto. Esistono anche versioni moderne con cioccolato bianco o al latte, o addirittura farciti con crema al pistacchio o marmellata. Tuttavia, la ricetta tradizionale rimane la più amata e apprezzata, un vero classico intramontabile.

The Secrets to a Perfect Lady Kiss

Preparing Lady Kisses perfect requires attention to detail and a few tricks of the trade. Here are some tips for achieving the best possible result:

• Using high quality ingredients: The taste of Lady Kisses depends very much on the quality of the almonds or hazelnuts and chocolate used. Always opt for fresh and well-made products.
• Toasting almonds or hazelnutsThis step is essential to enhance the flavour of the nuts. Toasting them slightly in the oven before chopping them will make all the difference.
• Dough rest: Let the dough rest in the fridge for at least an hour before forming the balls. This will help it keep its shape during baking.
• Oven temperature: Bake at a low temperature to prevent the biscuits from becoming too flat. An oven that is too hot could compromise the characteristic shape of the Lady Kisses.

Pairings and Occasions for Enjoying Baci di Dama

I Lady Kisses are versatile and lend themselves to many occasions. Perfect to serve with an afternoon tea, perhaps accompanied by a selection of other small pastries. They are also ideal as a refined dessert, perhaps served with a small glass of sweet wine or liqueur.

For those who like to experiment, the Lady Kisses can also be used as a decorative element for more complex cakes or desserts. Their delicate taste and elegant shape add a touch of class to any preparation.

I Lady Kisses sono un vero tesoro della pasticceria italiana, un dolce che racchiude storia, tradizione e un gusto inimitabile. Prepararli in casa può essere un’esperienza gratificante e un modo per riscoprire le ricette del passato. Che siate amanti della cucina o semplici golosi, i Lady Kisses will win you over with their simplicity and refinement.