Torta Sbrisolona

Sbrisolona is a crunchy, crumbly, buttery cake dating back to the 16th century. It used to be called the tart of three cups because it was made with a cup of cornmeal, a cup of wheat flour, and a cup of sugar, mixed with lard or butter. Although it started as a poor man’s cake, made with inexpensive ingredients, sbrisolona was also served at the tables of the noble families, enriched with more expensive ingredients such as nuts and spices. Traditionally prepared for Carnival, nowadays it can be found all year long. Being very crumbly, this cake is not served sliced, but broken into bite-sized pieces, and eaten by hands, preferably dipped in grappa. It is usually served with dessert wines such as the sweet local Malvasia, Vin Santo, or the Passito of Pantelleria. Both Mantua and Cremona lay claim to this cake - the Mantua version contains almonds, while the Cremona version contains walnuts.