Torta Makarana

This rich Croatian cake was once considered to be a special delicacy that was only served on special occasions and was mainly reserved for nobility. It consists of a pastry base and a filling that combines ground almonds, eggs, sugar, and various flavorings such as citrus juice and zest, nutmeg, cinnamon, and maraschino or rose liqueur. The key is to ensure a perfect harmony, in which all the flavors remain subtle without being overpowering. It was named after the city of Makarska, and according to a legend, it was Frederick Augustus II who gave the cake its current name after he visited the city in 1838. Though it is still often enjoyed on festive occasions, it is commonly found in pastry shops and is often represented as a traditional souvenir of the city and the region. Makarana is usually decorated with pastry lattice and whole almonds, and it is traditionally served cut into diamond-shaped pieces.