Bertuccio's Recipes

Santa Maria Style Pinquinto Beans

1 lb. Pinquinto Beans

1 Tbsp. sugar

Pick over beans to remove any dirt; cover beans with water and soak overnight in large container. Drain, cover with fresh water and simmer several hours until tender.

Sauté bacon and ham until lightly browned; add garlic and sauté a minute or two more. Add tomato puree, chile sauce and sugar. Drain some of the liquid from the beans and reserve. Stir in sauce and continue to simmer gently for 1 - 2 hours. Add reserved liquid if they get too dry.

Serves 6 - 8

Apricot Strudel Recipe

1/2 lb. margarine

2 cups flour

1 cups sour cream

1 1/2 cups chopped dried apricots

1/2 pint of apricot jam

juice of 1 lemon

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup walnuts

Mix the margarine, flour, and sour cream and refrigerate overnight.  Mix together dried apricots, apricot jam, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat until jam is melted.  The add shredded coconut and walnuts and mix well.  Divide dough into 4 parts and roll each into 10" x 5" rectangles.  Spread 1/4 of the apricot mixture down the center.  Roll ever edges to cover filling.  Repeat with other 3 parts.  Bake for 30 minutes at 350°.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Enjoy!

Cranberry Biscotti

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

2 tsp. almond extract

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Preheat oven to 350° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Beat eggs, sugar, and extract together in a medium bowl.  Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing together until a stiff dough forms.  Stir in cranberries and almonds.  Shape into a ball on a slightly floured board.  Divide dough into 2 pieces and pat into 9" x 4" rectangles about 1/2 inches thick on a prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 30 minutes.  Let cool slightly.  Cut into 1/2" slices with a serrated knife and place back on baking sheet, flat side down.  Reduce heat to 325° and bake for 20 - 25 minutes more or until crisp.  Let cool completely.  Dip the bottom of each cookie in melted white chocolate, if desired.  Makes 36 biscotti.