Coco Cooks has moved!

You should be automatically redirected in 5 seconds.

If not, please visit http://www.coco-cooks.com and update your bookmarks and RSS feed.

11.06.2007

Torta Sbrisolona :Simplicity at Its Best



Flipping through Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook while, bored, itching to use my new Kitchen Aid( early B day present), and seeing what can I possibly make with the aforementioned device without going to the store.... I saw this lovely gem. I love almonds and any cookie made with them "Is a good thing". Certain Someone now has been in Europe going on three weeks and I needed something warm and comforting along with the Kitchen Aid he purchased for me in case he misses out on the actual Bday.Aww work, but he must do it to be able to afford our toys. I digress. So I see this recipe that's calls for just a few simple ingredients. Torta Sbrisolona originates from Mantua , Italy and essentially is a cake/cookie that hails from a time when few could afford the more costly ingredients of richer sweets. Not surprisingly its Christmas favorite. I love the simplicity of this with just a cup of hot tea. I can also see it served alongside some warm spiced apples and ice cream. Enjoy.




Torta Sbrisolona adapted from Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook


1 3/4 sticks (14 tablespoons) unsalted Butter


1 3/4 cups all purpose Flour


1 1/2 cups blanched almonds, finely ground


3/4 cup of sugar ( I used Turbinado Raw Sugar)


1/4 teaspoon salt


1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ( In addition I added a touch of amaretto flavoring)




Preheat oven to 350. Butter a 10 inch spring form pan: set aside. Whisk together all ingredients except the butter in a large bowl. Cut in the butter gradually and blend until mixture is completely incorporated. There should be no dry crumbs.


Gently press all except 1/4 of mixture into the spring form pan. Sprinkle the rest of the mixture( streusal /crumb like) on top of the pressed mixture. Bake for 25 minutes until golden.Reduce temp to 300 and bake for 10 more minutes. Transfer to rack and cool. Removes sides to unmold. Cookie can be kept wrapped up to three days.


Stumble Upon Toolbar

4 comments:

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Wow, you have a Kitchen Aid! I'm jealous ;-P!
That "Torta Sbrisolona" looks delicious!

Cheers,

Rosa

Anonymous said...

When mum used to make something similar we used to call it "choke-cake". If you tried to eat it without a tea or coffee or hot chocolate then you would simply ......

glamah16 said...

-Thank You Rosa. Im having so much fun with it.

-Kilabyte,
But isnt far more fancy to call your beloved Mums cake Torta Sbrisolona rather than a name that conjurs up medical emergencies.I've got to research a Aussie treat and make one for you.

Helene said...

Looks perfect for afternoon tea, it's been a while since I have had afternoon tea...but I'll be sure to make the cake anyhow!