Pasticciotti are traditional tarts from Lecce, a breathtaking city in Southern Italy, in the region of Puglia. These amazing little tarts, filled with pastry cream, are served for breakfast in every little Leccesi cafe. This recipe is the most authentic and simple I could find. I use it often, as my family can't get enough of pasticciotti!
Also called baker's ammonia or bicarbonate of ammonia, ammonia is a leavening agent that was used before the advent of bicarbonate of soda and baking powder. It can be found in speciality shops and online.
Instead of ammonia, you can use 2 teaspoons baking powder OR 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda.