
Dried Fig Booklet
Libretto di Fichi Secchi
Compact Calabrian sweets made with dried figs, nuts, cocoa, chocolate, and flavorings.
The Dried Fig Booklet is a compact dessert from the Calabrian tradition, designed to be served in slices or small bites. Its shape resembles a booklet, while the structure alternates dried figs with a dark, fragrant, and richly textured filling. Cocoa and dark chocolate accentuate the intense flavor of the fruit, almonds introduce a crunchy note, and the candied citron adds a citrus nuance. Lemon, vanillin powder and cinnamon complete the aromatic profile without weighing it down. The preparation does not require cooking: the result depends on the correct chopping of the ingredients and the pressure applied in the molds, essential for obtaining compact and easily unmoldable desserts. powdered sugar refines the surface and balances the strong imprint of the cocoa.
Instructions
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7 steps · natural Italian voice
Prepare the dried fruit
Coarsely chop the almonds, the candied citron and dark chocolate. Keep the texture irregular, with some still recognizable pieces: they will contribute to the consistency of the filling. Avoid crushing everything into a powder, because the filling should be crunchy and distinguishable when cut.
Flavor the filling
Collect the chopped almonds, citron and chocolate in a large bowl, then add the sugar, cocoa powder and vanillin powderSeason with grated lemon zest and add cinnamon to taste. Stir until the powders, flavorings, and ground ingredients are evenly distributed.
Arrange the figs
Arrange a first layer of dried figs in the appropriate booklet molds. Arrange them close together, without excessive overlap, so as to cover the bottom of the mold and create a compact base for the filling.
Alternate filling and figs
Spread an even layer of the prepared filling over the figs, then add a second layer of figs and another portion of the filling. Finish with a final layer of figs, which should completely enclose the booklet and contain the filling inside.
Press into the molds
Press the layers one on top of the other directly into the molds, applying even pressure over the entire surface. Continue until the mixture It appears compact and has no visible spaces between the figs and the filling: this density allows the cake to maintain its shape once removed.
Unmold and complete
Carefully remove the booklets from the moulds, then sprinkle them with powdered sugarMake sure the surface is completely coated and the shape remains intact; serve them like this, with the layers compact and the filling visible when cut.
Keep the booklets
Wrap the booklets in aluminum foil to store them for a while. Close the wrapper tightly around each cake to protect the surface and keep the cake compact.
Chef's Tips
Press each layer firmly into the molds, so that the figs and filling adhere without leaving gaps and the booklet holds its shape during extraction.
Ingredients
- Ingredients for 10 people
- (2.2 lb) 1 kg dried figs
- (5.64 oz) 160 g dark chocolate
- (8.82 oz) 250 g almonds
- (3.53 oz) 100 g of candied citron,
- (2.82 oz) 80 g sugar
- (14.11 oz) 400 g cocoa powder 1 packet Of vanillin powder
- grated zest of 1 lemon grated cinnamon (to taste) powdered sugar
Can't find it in the US?
- candied fruitMostly online
Candied orange or lemon peel
- vanillin powderUS equivalent
1 packet (0.5 g) = 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
⚠️ Automatic ingredient-based detection. Always check product labels.









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