Macinici

Growing up I always looked forward to March 9.  Every single year, on March 9 we had macinici.  It was such a treat!  I haven't had them in a few years and I was craving them quite a bit.  Luckily they're super easy to make.  I used the special tool to shape the dough like little 8s, but don't worry if you don't have one.  You can just cut the dough any shape you want to.  There are MANY versions of making them.  This is the one I had while growing up.  There's a little legend behind this recipe.  You can read more about it here.  Meanwhile, enjoy!:)

Ingredients:

For the dough:

-1 cup water

-a pinch of salt

-about 2 1/2 cups flour

For the rest of the recipe:

-10 cups water

-1 1/2 cups sugar

-1/2 Tbs rum essence

-the zest of a lemon

-cinnamon

-crushed pecans or walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.  Line a couple of cookie sheets with parchment paper.  Mix dough ingredients.  With a rolling pin, roll the dough onto a floured surface until about 1/4 inch thick (maybe a bit thinner).  Lightly flour dough and cut into shapes.  Re-shape the remaining dough into a ball, spread it out and cut it again.  Repeat until there's no more left, or so little that can't be used anymore.  It makes a lot of macinici.

Place shaped pasta onto prepared sheets.  Cook in preheated oven for about 5 minutes (do not brown them!)  They're only supposed to get a bit dry.
In a large pot bring the 10 cups of water to a boil.  Add pasta and cook for about 20 minutes.  Add sugar and mix until completely dissolved.  Remove pot from heat and add lemon zest and rum essence.  Pour desired amount into bowl and top with a little cinnamon and crushed nuts.  It is delicious either cold or warm.  Enjoy!