Desserts > Italian Desserts

Date and Walnut Panforte Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
- 1/4 cup chopped candied lemon peel
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Special equipment needed:
- 8-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Spatula

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the bottom of the cake pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Add the chopped walnuts, dates, candied orange peel, and candied lemon peel to the dry ingredients. Mix well.

4. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until it becomes runny.

5. Pour the honey over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well combined.

6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared cake pan and press it down firmly with a spatula.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

8. Remove the panforte from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

9. Once cooled, remove the panforte from the pan and dust with powdered sugar.

10. Cut the panforte into thin slices and serve.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature:
325°F (160°C)
Serving size:
8-10 slices

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 33g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of walnuts, you can use almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios.
- Instead of dates, you can use dried figs, apricots, or cherries.
- Instead of candied orange and lemon peel, you can use candied ginger or citron.

Variations:
- You can add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate panforte.
- You can add 1/4 cup of brandy or rum to the honey mixture for a boozy panforte.
- You can add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or raisins to the dry ingredients for a fruity panforte.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press the mixture down firmly in the pan to prevent it from crumbling.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the panforte into thin slices.
- Store the panforte in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Storage instructions:
Store the panforte in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating instructions:
The panforte does not need to be reheated.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the panforte on a wooden board or a decorative plate.

Garnishes:
You can garnish the panforte with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Pairings:
Serve the panforte with a cup of coffee or tea.

Suggested side dishes:
The panforte is a dessert and does not need a side dish.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the panforte is too dry, add a tablespoon of honey to the mixture.
- If the panforte is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour to the mixture.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands before preparing the recipe.

Food history:
Panforte is a traditional Italian dessert that originated in the city of Siena in Tuscany. It is a dense, chewy cake made with nuts, dried fruit, spices, and honey. It was originally made by the nuns of a local monastery and was often given as a gift during the Christmas season.

Flavor profiles:
The panforte has a sweet and spicy flavor with a chewy texture.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the panforte as a dessert after a meal or as a snack with coffee or tea.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Spicy, Chewy