Schiacciata alla Fiorentina - Florentine Orange Cake

There is no Carnival celebration in Florence without the Schiacciata alla Fiorentina! This traditional cake, scented with orange and vanilla and dusted with icing sugar is typically served during Carnival season in February. It’s light, zesty, festive and incredibly easy to make. While every pastry shop in Florence has its own well guarded recipe, here's our family recipe:

Ingredients

• 250grs. allpurposes flour
• 200 grs.sugar
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 7 tablespoons milk
• 2 eggs
• juice and zest of one orange
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
• white icing sugar to decorate

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients together and put the batter in a buttered and floured 8X12 inches dishoven. Bake in preheathed oven at 180 degrees for 20/30 minutes. Take out when ready and let it cool .Then sprinkle allover white sugar to decorate.

This is an ideal cake to turn into an elegant dessert simply by filling it with sweetened whipped cream, pastry cream, or Chantilly cream. Slice the cake in half lengthwise using a long serrated knife. Carefully set the top portion aside, spread a layer of desired filling on the bottom layer, then replace the top layer. Dust the top with powdered sugar, slice and serve.

Buon Appetito!

Yours, 

Alfie Browns