Chiacchiere
Chiacchiere are crispy and delicate pastries typical of Carnival, made by stretching a simple dough, frying it, and decorating it with powdered sugar.
Chiacchiere represent an enchantment of Italian culinary tradition, where the simplicity of the dough transforms into a dance of crispness and delicacy. Its preparation requires respect for the ingredients - type 00 flour, fresh butter, grappa - which come together in a perfect balance of sweetness and aroma.

Instructions
- 1
To prepare the chiacchiere, sift the flour together with the baking powder and pour it into a mixer bowl with the paddle attachment. Add the sugar, salt, the eggs that have been beaten beforehand, the egg yolk, and the grappa. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
- 2
Replace the paddle with the dough hook, add the vanilla bean seeds and the butter, then continue to knead for 15 minutes until you obtain a smooth dough: it should be firm but still pliable. If necessary, you can add 5-10 g of water. Transfer the dough to a work surface and quickly knead it to form a sphere.
- 3
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. After this time, divide the dough into portions of about 150 g each and start working each portion individually. Flatten a portion slightly with the palm of your hand, flour it, and roll it out with a rolling pin, starting with the widest setting.
- 4
Fold the sides of the strip of dough towards the center, then roll it out again, each time setting the rolling pin to a thinner setting, until you reach 2 mm. Repeat the same procedure with all the portions of dough. Let the rolled-out dough rest for a few minutes and, in the meantime, bring the oil to a temperature of 150-160°. With a pastry wheel, cut out rectangles of about 5x10 cm and make two parallel cuts in the center of each, parallel to the long side.
- 5
As soon as the oil reaches the right temperature, immerse 2-3 rectangles of dough in the oil with the help of a slotted spoon and fry them, turning them over, until they are golden brown. Drain the pastries on paper towels and, once they are cold, arrange them on a plate and sprinkle them with plenty of sifted powdered sugar. Your chiacchiere are ready.
Ago's Notes
- Adjust the salt according to the salt content of the preserves.
May these chiacchiere be a delightful reminder of Italy’s Carnival traditions, prepared with passion and respect for each ingredient, and may every bite bring joy to your sharing experience. Happy baking and enjoy!


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