The almond cake of Varzi, known locally as 'ra turta d'armàndul', is a tasty and nutritious dessert whose secret lies in its simple recipe. The basic ingredients include eggs, flour, sugar, lemon peel and chopped almonds. A delicacy, this one, that was appreciated not only in ordinary homes, but also on the tables of the Malaspina marquises, the local feudal lords.
The dough, once baked, produces a fragrant and durable cake, perfect for storing for long journeys. Tradition has it that the women made it for the men who ventured along the ancient Salt Road.
A success based on simple ingredients
Varzi's almond cake has conquered people's palates thanks to the use of simple, readily available ingredients: from home-produced butter to almonds grown in the hills. Kneading and baking them together creates a special combination of highly nutritious ingredients that retains its aroma for months. The secret lies in the proper mixing of the ingredients. Recently, some bakers have introduced a slightly different process to the original recipe, which makes the cake more crumbly to the palate. Traditionally, the cake is not cut with a knife but broken with the hands.
The enchantment of Bosmenso and the almond blossom
The almond tree, a plant widespread mostly in the Mediterranean area, has found a home in the Lombardy Apennines since Saracen times, thanks to the sunny position of the Varzi area. One of the most striking natural spectacles of the Oltrepò Pavese area is the almond blossom, which occurs in March. One of the best places to admire this spectacle is Bosmenso, a hamlet of Varzi, where the almond trees create a patchwork of white and pink, creating a magical and fascinating atmosphere. The presence of the almond tree in the Lombardy Apennines testifies to the perfect symbiosis between man and nature, which gives us many benefits with its fruits. Almonds, for example, lower cholesterol, are antioxidants, prevent stroke risks and strengthen the immune system.
From nature to the table
Every year in Bosmenso there is an expectation lingering in the air: the arrival of spring and the blossoming of the almond trees glowing white and pink. This alone is enough to ignite a craving for the Varzese cake. Its simple and genuine recipe reflects the essence of spring and nature's bounty.
Ingredients: 125 g butter, 150 g sugar, 125 g potato starch, 3 eggs, 125 g peeled and finely chopped almonds, the zest of half a lemon grated, a pinch of salt.
For the pastry: Put the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and beat them until the mixture is swollen and frothy. Add the butter, almonds, sifted starch and lemon zest. Whisk the egg whites until stiff and incorporate them into the mixture. Grease a 26 cm diameter cake tin, pour in the mixture and level it well. Bake at 180° for 40 minutes.
The wine to match
The symbol of Varzi must be paired with a local wine. A choice of Oltrepò Pavese Moscato Doc, Oltrepò Pavese Passito Doc and Oltrepò Pavese Moscato Spumante Doc.
