Mostaccioli are cookies created from a dense, honey flavored dough that encases a chocolate, almond filling. This traditional Calabrian specialty is a great addition to any cookie tray!
:Makes 5 Loaves
2 Pounds Lightly Toasted Almonds
2 Pounds Honey
1 (350gm) Package Chocolate Chips
4 Egg Yolks
6-8 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler with 1/4 cup of the honey until melted. Mix the almonds into this mixture, and set aside to cool slightly. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Make a mound of 6 cups of the flour on a pastry board or the counter, add the baking powder, and create a well in the center. Add the egg yolks and using a fork, mix into the flour. Begin to add the honey into this well, using a fork to combine with the flour. Continue to use all the honey, adding more flour as needed. Knead the dough until smooth.
Divide the dough into 5 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, and then flatten into a 1 inch thick oval. At one long end of the oval, place a few teaspoons of the chocolate mixture, and then fold over the other side to close it in. Place theses loaves on a lightly floured cookie sheet. Bake for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely and slice into 1/2 inch slices.
