On a recent cold and gray December Sunday, dozens of Italian families gathered to celebrate a Sicilian Christmas cookie at Casa Italia, the Italian cultural center in west suburban Stone Park. Little ...

As beautiful as they are delicious, these festive Italian Cuccidati cookies feature orange zest-flavored dough filled with a mixture of figs, chocolate, Marsala wine, and nuts.

Last month, we asked viewers to send us their favorite family recipes that also have a great story behind them. We got some great recipes, but the story of the “Cuccidati” holiday cookies from the ...

When recipes are passed down from generations, the dishes often remind people of family members long gone, stories from yesteryear and their family history. Richard Akin's grandmother started making ...

1. Combine all the filling ingredients in a food processor. Process until fairly smooth, about 3 minutes. 2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 3. For the dough, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and ...

Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the middle of a pre-heated 350 degree oven until they are lightly golden and aromatic, 5 - 10 minutes. Set aside & cool. Plump the raisins in some ...

The Sons & Daughters of Italy and C. Colombo Lodge 1315 will host its annual Cuccidati Contest and Italian cookie sale and festival on Nov. 12 at a new venue, the Pittsburg Youth Development Center.

Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the middle of a pre-heated 350 degree oven until they are lightly golden and aromatic, 5 - 10 minutes. Set aside & cool. Plump the raisins in some ...