Where is Mantua and How to Make Sbrisolana

copyright 2011,art of living,PrimaMedia,Inc/Maria Liberati
Wandering through the elegant little streets of the city of Mantova can be an excellent way to spend an afternoon. But the last time I visited I spent most of my day visiting the palaces of the Gonzagas
The city is dripping with culture form a time past..from the Teatro Accademico where Mozart appeared to many visits by Leonardo DaVinci because of a close friendship he had with Isabella D’Este, the daughter of the Duke of Ferrara
Isabella married one of the Gonzagas and she ruled Mantua for a time. Because of her the city literally became a cultural center. Almost every notable artist of her day painted her portrait..and her effect, even though many years ago, is still felt in some way as you stroll through.
After a long day of strolling and wandering through the Gonzagas ‘home’ a welcome stop was a local restaurant…I can’t remember exactly what we ordered there ,but I do remember that the meal ended with a Torta Sbrisolana di Mantova ..the flavor has never left me..as elegant and delicious as the town itself.
A crumbly, buttery cornmeal cake……
.
Torta Sbrisolana di Mantua
1 ½ cups(300)gr cornmeal flour
½ cup(100 gr) white flour
1 cup (200 gr) chopped almonds
¾ cup (150 gr) butter
2 egg yolks
½ cup (100 gr) sugar
grated zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp 95 gr) pure vanilla
Confectioner’s Sugar for topping
In a bowl place flours, egg yolks, lemon zest,softened butter. Vanilla. Blend the dough till it is well blended but crumbly. Crumble or sprinkle the crumbly batter into a buttered cake pan and bake in oven preheated to 350F (180C) for 1 hour. Remove from oven and cool before removing from pan. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Please join meat the following…I will be taking The Basic Art of Italian Cooking to:
**April 30-May 1-Reston, Virginia-Reston Town Center-Great Grapes Festival-Book signing and on stage cooking demos
**May 14th- 1-3 PM Fante’s Italian Market. 9th Street Italian Market for a book signing of The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays & Special Occasions
**May 15th-Normandy Farms, Blue Bell, Pa 11-2 Book signing and cooking demo
**Book Expo America, Javits Convention Center,NY,NY- 3:30-4:30