St. Francis’s Favorite Treat

This Recipe hails from the Umbria region of Italy and is traditionally served on the feast day of St. Francis. Supposedly, this is one of the few foods St. Francis really let himself enjoy.  It is said that the recipe originated with St. Clare but we have our traveler Viola to thank for sharing it with us, along with her inspiring tales from touring Umbria (and beyond). Don’t miss out on these delicious treats Viola baked to celebrate St. Francis’s feast day .

Ingredients:

• 1 c. butter
• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 4 eggs
• 4 c. flour
• 2 c. almonds: whole, finely chopped, or 4 c. ground
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Preparation

1. Cream butter, sugar, and eggs. Add the other ingredients and knead until smooth. Form 2 rolls about 1 inch (3cm) diameter.
2. Bake in a preheated moderately hot oven 375 F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
3. When cool, cut into slices 3/4 in thick, and toast in oven for 3 min.

Makes about 50 slices.