Ritornello Ravioli Dolci

The Italian musical term ritornello means to return or recur. This wonderful dessert is one of my favorites to make during the spring. It is light yet rich in flavor, a guarantee that you will return for more.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup white sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp almond extract

zest of 1 lemon

2 1/2 cups flour

1/4 tsp baking soda

pinch of salt

jam of your choice

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium size bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg, add vanilla and almond extracts as well as lemon zest.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine with butter mixture to create a smooth dough. Gather dough into a ball and divide in two. Press the sections of dough between sheets of wax paper and allow to chill for 1 hour.

Remove one section of dough from the refrigerator and roll out. You can either cut out 1 1/2 inch squares of dough with a knife or use the mouth of a drinking glass to cut round shapes. Using a teaspoon, place a small amount of jam in the center of your cut out dough. Set aside.

Remove the remaining section of dough from the refrigerator, roll it out and cut your chosen ravioli shape. Place these cut pieces of dough on top of the ones with jam to create a sandwich. Seal the edges by pressing down on them lightly.

Transfer the cookies to parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are light brown. Transfer cookies to wire racks and allow to cool.

Music Suggestions:

• Love Theme: Cinema Paradiso- Ennio Morricone
• "Quando m'en vo"- Giacomo Puccini