San Marino Panforte
Background and History
San Marino Panforte is a traditional Italian dessert with deep roots in the small republic of San Marino. The word "panforte" translates to "strong bread", a name that fittingly describes the intense flavor packed in this delightful confection. Historically, panforte dates back to at least the 13th century. This spicy, rich cake-like delicacy was originally a luxury item, only accessible to those who could afford its exotic ingredients such as spices and almonds. Over time, panforte has become a festive staple in the region, particularly during Christmas and other significant celebrations.
Ingredients
To make an authentic San Marino Panforte, you will need the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Almonds, blanched and chopped
- Hazelnuts, skinned and chopped
- Dried figs, chopped
- Candied orange peel, chopped
- Honey
- Granulated sugar
- Dark chocolate, melted
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Preparation
Before starting, ensure that you have all the ingredients ready and measured. This will ease the cooking process and keep it organized.
Step 1: Preparing the Nuts and Dried Fruits
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the almonds and hazelnuts on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes to enhance their flavor, then allow them to cool. Once cooled, chop the nuts into coarse pieces. Simultaneously, chop the dried figs and candied orange peel into small chunks. Set these aside.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir in the chopped nuts and dried fruits until they are well coated with the flour mixture. This helps to evenly distribute the fruit and nuts in the final panforte.
Cooking Process
Step 1: Preparing the Syrup
In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, and butter. Gently heat this mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat and stir in the dark chocolate until melted and smooth.
Step 2: Combining and Baking
Pour the syrup over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well combined and sticky. Pour this mixture into a greased and parchment-lined baking tin, pressing down with a spatula to ensure it's even. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 50 minutes. You will know it's done when the edges start to harden and the center is set.
Step 3: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, let the panforte cool in the pan on a wire rack. After fully cooled, remove it from the pan and peel off the parchment paper. Dust with a generous amount of powdered sugar before slicing.
Enjoying San Marino Panforte
San Marino Panforte is best enjoyed in thin slices due to its rich and dense nature. It can be paired wonderfully with a strong espresso for an Italian touch, or a fine dessert wine, such as Vin Santo, to complement its flavors. Store it in an airtight container, where it keeps well for several weeks, allowing the flavors to mature and deepen over time. This makes it a perfect make-ahead treat during festive seasons.