Panforte (Siena cake)

Panforte or Siena Cake is an Italian Christmas Cake. This is made with honey, chocolate and nuts and has a sweet chewy texture.

Cooking directions

• Place almonds on a shallow baking tray and bake until golden. Do the same with the hazelnuts (if they have shells, roast them for longer and, while hot, rub in a clean tea towel to remove the shells).
• Sift flour, cocoa and cinnamon into a medium-sized bowl.
• Add fruit, chocolate and nuts.
• Place honey, sugar and water into a pot, stir over a low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Allow to simmer for about 3 minutes.
• Pour the boiling liquid into the bowl with other ingredients and mix thoroughly.
• Press into a prepared tin. Press down with the back of a wet spoon.
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
• Cool completely in the tin and dust with icing sugar.

Tips:

• A lovely gift idea - wrap in cellophane and tie with ribbon for an attractive and tasty Christmas gift.
• Make several smaller cakes for gifts (decrease the cooking time accordingly).
• Store in an airtight container - will last for up to 8 weeks.

Ingredients

1 cup whole blanched almonds

1 cup hazelnuts

1 cup dried apricots, diced

100 grams dark chocolate, diced

3/4 cup flour

3 large tablespoons cocoa

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 cup sugar

8 tablespoons honey

1/4 cup water