In the heart of Stradella, a small municipality in the Oltrepò Pavese area, lies a culinary jewel that embodies the area‘s authentic traditions and flavours: ‘La Torre‘ cake. This cake, with humble and homemade origins, has become a symbol of the local cuisine, so much so that it has obtained the prestigious De.Co. (Denominazione Comunale) mark, which protects its identity and attests to its deep connection with the culture and history of the place.
The Humble Origins of a Precious Cake
La Torre‘ cake was born from the ingenuity of the families of Stradella, who, in order not to waste anything, collected and used what they had at home. The main ingredients are simple but rich in taste: eggs, butter, type 00 flour, potato starch, sugar, salt, vanilla flavouring and hazelnuts. These ingredients, skilfully combined, result in a cake that is much more than the sum of its parts.
The Preparation: A Process of Tradition
The preparation of ‘La Torre‘ cake begins with the mixing of butter, sugar and hazelnuts, a crucial step that gives the mixture a crumbly texture and a rich, fragrant flavour base. Next, the other ingredients are added: flour, potato starch, salt, vanilla flavouring and eggs. The vanilla, in particular, is an essential element that enhances the scent and flavour of the hazelnuts, making the cake even more inviting.
Once worked, the resulting mixture should have a consistency similar to that of shortcrust pastry. This mixture is then baked at a moderate temperature until it is perfectly golden and irresistibly fragrant.
A dessert to enjoy with wine
The result of this traditional recipe is a fragrant and delicious cake that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. According to Stradella tradition, ‘La Torre‘ cake is eaten soaked in wine, a custom that enhances the flavours and fragrances of the cake. In modern times, this custom has evolved to include the pairing with dessert wines, which add a sophisticated and harmonious note.
A Recognition of Excellence
The De.Co. mark, awarded by the Municipality of Stradella, not only protects the original recipe of the ‘La Torre‘ cake, but also recognises its cultural and historical importance. This recognition certifies that the cake is a unique product, inextricably linked to the territory of Stradella and its traditions.
Conclusion
Stradella‘s ‘La Torre‘ cake is much more than just a cake: it is a piece of local history, a symbol of tradition and an example of how cooking can be a precious link between past and present. Thanks to its simplicity and genuine flavours, it continues to delight the palates of those lucky enough to taste it, keeping alive a tradition that has been handed down from generation to generation.
