Susumelle

Susumelle are a typical Calabrian dessert, especially in the Reggio Calabria area. They are spiced cookies, covered with glaze, and perfect to enjoy during the Christmas holidays. Let’s see the recipe together:

Ingredients

• 500 g of flour
• 250 g of honey
• 100 g of sugar
• 50 g of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 packet of baking powder
• 1 packet of vanillin
• Grated zest of 1 orange
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• A pinch of ground cinnamon
• A pinch of ground cloves
• A pinch of nutmeg
• 150 g of dark chocolate
• Milk as needed

For the glaze:

• 200 g of powdered sugar
• Water as needed

Preparation

1. In a saucepan, heat the honey until it becomes liquid, then let it cool.
2. In a bowl, sift the flour with the cocoa, baking powder, vanillin, and spices (cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg).
3. Add the sugar and the grated zest of orange and lemon.
4. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler and then combine it with the other ingredients in the bowl.
5. Add the now lukewarm honey and begin kneading.
6. If the dough is too stiff, add a little milk to make it workable.
7. Shape small susumelle into an oval or elongated form, according to tradition.
8. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 15 minutes.
9. While the susumelle are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with water until you achieve a fluid but not too runny consistency.
10. Remove the susumelle from the oven and, while still hot, dip them in the prepared glaze.
11. Let the glaze dry before serving.

Curiosities

The word “susumelle” derives from the term “sòsami”, which in Greek means “sesame”. Although the original recipe does not contain sesame, it is believed that this name is associated with the elongated and flat shape of the cookies that resembles sesame sweets widespread in the Mediterranean. As a Christmas treat, it symbolizes sharing and the joy of family holidays.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!