Sicilian Cassata recipe

Kassata is a traditional Sicilian dessert that encapsulates a piece of the island's rich culinary history.Mixing different textures and flavors, this dessert combines layers of ricotta, cake, crystallized fruits and pistachio, creating a unique experience.Here, I present a version that keeps the traditional essence with a touch of modernity.

#### Ingredients:

** for vanilla cake: **
- 130 grams of wheat flour
- 130 grams of sugar
- 130 grams of softened butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of yeast powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

** For ricotta filling: **
- 500 grams of ricotta
- 200 grams of icing sugar
- 100 grams of chopped dark chocolate
- 100 grams of crystallized fruits (mix of orange, cider and cherries)
- 50 grams of peeled and crushed pistachios
- Lemon zest to taste

** For assembly: **
- Rum or MaraSchino to soak the cake
- Crusted pistachios and crystallized fruits to decorate

#### Preparation Mode:

** 1.Vanilla Cake: **
1. Preheat the oven at 180 ° C and grease a round pan with butter and flour.
2. In the mixer, beat the butter with the sugar until it forms a light and cute mixture.
3. Add the eggs one by one by beating well after each addition.
4. Incorporate vanilla and mix.
5. Sift the flour with the yeast and gently incorporate into the mixture.
6. Place the dough in prepared form and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
7. Let the cake cool completely before using it in the assembly.

** 2.Ricotta Stuffing: **
1. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with the icing sugar until a homogeneous mixture.
2. Add the chopped chocolate, crystallized fruits, pistachios and lemon zest, mixing well to distribute evenly.

** 3.Assembly:**
1. Cut the cake into two horizontal layers.
2. Place the lower layer back in the pan and moisten it with rum or maraschino.
3. Spread half the ricotta filling over the moistened cake.
4. Place the second layer of cake over the filling and moisten with more rum.
5. Cover with the rest of the ricotta filling.
6. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally at night.

** 4.Finishing: **
1. Unmold Kassata and decorate with crushed pistachios and crystallized fruits.
2. Serve cold, cut into slices.

This Kassata recipe is a true celebration of flavors and textures.Enjoy this Sicilian delight that will enchant your guests with your authentic charm and exquisite flavor!