Friday 23 March 2012

Ciambella alla Ricotta e Arancia ( Ricotta and Orange Ciambella-Italian Ring Cake! VERY GOOD!)



Ciambella



She knew it must be Sunday, as she woke up to the aroma of  coffee and "Good things to eat!" Mamma had been busy making a ciambella... the scent of orange and vanilla waltzed through the air, all the way to her room... Sunday was such a special day!

She picked up her new pair of black patent shoes and let her little feet slide into each one : she always loved getting new shoes!

Following the aroma, she would make her way to the kitchen. Mamma would be standing by the table, a cup of espresso in her hand, proudly looking at the cake she had just taken out of the oven.

Rosa wasn't a cake maker, but occasionally she would try. No cake ever tasted better and sweeter than her ciambella, though, or the Pizza di Ricotta, she made for the family at Easter.

"Ne voglio una fetta!" ("Can I have a piece?") she would ask her mum "No, aspetta che si raffreddi!" ( "You need to wait till it cools down!") Could she really wait that long? How could her mother be that cruel? Ringo, the canary, flew off the curtain pelmet, and landed on nonna's lap... I think he could smell the happiness, too...

Ciambella has to be the cake which is made in every household, in Italy. It's more popular than tiramisu`, cannoli, or any other sweet. My recipe is a bit special, as it has ricotta as one of the ingredients. It's so easy to make, and really delicious!





Here is my mum's recipe:

Ciambella all'Arancia e Ricotta
Ingredients:

250 g (9 oz) plain, all purpose flour
80 g ( 3 oz) cornflour
100g ( 3 1/2 oz) ricotta cheese
4 eggs, beaten
1 orange
150 mls ( just over 5 fl oz)  oil (I used sunflower oil)
1 heaped teaspoon baking powder
butter for the cake tin
confectioner's (icing) sugar

For the filling:

200g ( 7 oz) ricotta
some lemon rind
some orange rind
(1 tsp of each)
2 tbsp confectioner's (icing) sugar

Before you start, zest your orange and squeeze, to extract  all the juice out of it. Next, place your 100g ( 3 1/2 oz) of ricotta in a  bowl and gradually incorporate 100g ( 3 1/2 oz) of sugar.

Gently fold in the eggs, a small amount at a time, the oil (very gradually) and the juice of your orange (I added just half, as I didn't want it to be too liquid!) Mix these ingredients.







Sift together flour, cornflour and baking powder (Paneangeli, if you are in Italy) and add to the mixture. If you like vanilla, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence, as it goes well with the taste of orange. By the way, at this stage you can add the orange zest, but remember to keep a small amount to be used in your ricotta filling!







I buttered and floured a ring cake tin (ciambella tin) then poured my delicious cake mixture into it, let it settle, then baked in a  hot oven (180 C,  350 F, Gas 4) for 30-35 minutes.
While my cake was cooking, I could smell those aromas so familiar to me and found myself dreaming... but not for too long, as my ciambella was ready in no time.







I'm not a cake maker, but I must admit that my ciambella looked really good! I decided to add an extra dimension to it, by making a filling. I used: 200g of ricotta, some lemon zest (about 1 heaped teaspoon,) icing sugar and just a teaspoon of orange zest. Having mixed these delicious ingredients together, I cut my (cold) ciambella across its width, spread my sweet ricotta all over the ring, dredeged in lovely icing sugar and garnished with grapes and mint. It looked like a "natura morta!"






I couldn't help thinking how special it would have been, if I had filled the "hole" with whipped cream and fruit, instead! But not too healthy, I guess... but so nice!



41 comments:

  1. Anna, it looks so delicious, if only we were cake eaters or our daughters were here to make some for.

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  2. How right you are Lindy! I am not a cake eater, either, but I did eat some of this! My favourite sweets are: grabita al caffe` (doppia panna) and I just love creme brulee and pannacotta! I really like panna!)

    I hope it's a bit warmer in Marta... I'm sure it is!

    CIAO!

    ANNA

    xxx

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  3. I love the warmth and affection for your mother that you share here, along with another delicious sounding recipe. The Ciambella all'Arancia e Ricotta looks as light as a feather, and I bet it tastes good too.

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    1. Hi Rosemary... this is her blog, not mine. It's the reason why I love to share my memories, here. I started the blog when I realized she was very sick.

      This recipe is truly delicious and light. I specially like my little addition: the ricotta filling, which creates another taste and texture dimension.

      I love getting your comments!

      CIAO!

      ANNA

      xxx

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  4. 'Anna ,this cake looks so tasty !You have so many memories from your lovely mother ! I think that she looks from up you and she will be very proud for you !!I make many cakes but never with cheese .
    Olympia

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    1. Olympia, I never knew I had so many memories, until she became very sick. You only appreciate what you no longer have... I have so many memories...

      Ricotta cheese I only use for sweet dishes. I don't like it in cannelloni, lasagne, or anything with tomato sauce. Ricotta makes cannelloni so heavy and "mushy!" it just spoils good savoury dishes. Now... in cakes... it's a different story! I love it!

      Happy weekend!

      ANNA
      xx

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  5. Dear Anna,
    your recipes are full of love and therefore they are delicious!

    ♥ Franka

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    1. Thank you, Dear Franka.

      My friends in Germany bake fantastic cakes and organize "Coffee" like noone else does! Out come the silver, the beautiful china and tablecloth, and the cakes: still warm and delicious, even for someone who is not a big cake eater!

      BUONA NOTTE!

      ANNA
      xx

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  6. You are all sunshine...I love your smile and your recipes and how you make everything look so easy and delicious and beautiful....xxx

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    1. That is the BEST compliment ever! Thank you so much! I am glad you can "see" sunshine in my blog, as I am alwats trying to recreate the colours and the sun of my native Italy!

      Hugs to you and your brautiful Kitties!

      ANNA

      xxx

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  7. Well for not being a cake maker Anna, this cake looks pretty spectacular. Loving the sweet stuff, I am going to have to try this one!
    Many thanks for your comments on stencilling...I think I would get kicked out of the house if I stencilled the Queen's head all over the living room too! Have a wonderful weekend, love Linda x p.s. sorry for the belated reply!

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    1. Hi Linda!

      I don't mind the Queen's head on money, though! Do you?

      Do try my ciambella, as it's really easy! Do add some vanilla, though, as it adds to the flavour.

      Have a lovely weekend! It's sunny here! The birds have been singing since four! It's like being in a jungle! But I love birds!

      CIAO!

      ANNA

      xx

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  8. Dear Anna,
    I have been away in lisbon for 3 days..
    Just reading this blog about your mama.. and her ciambella.. I can smell it. I smell those beautiful aromas.. This is such a loving blog Anna.. Can you believe i am trying to sing in Italian.. Quando ti volho beine.. my spelling is hopless as is my italian..
    Mas qual que maneira.. e tudo fantastico.
    thanks Anna.
    Special hugs for a special lady.
    Happy Saturday
    Vossa amiga valxx

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    1. Dear Val,

      If I had guessed a simple ciambella made with loving mempories was going to get so many sweet comments, I would have posted it a long time ago! Thank you!

      I know what song you are listening to: an old song (from long before I was born, I think) called Mamma "Mamma, solo con te la mia canzone vola! Mamma, saro` con te, tu non sarai piu` sola! Quanto ti voglio bene... queste parole d'amore che ti sospirano il cuore, forse non si usano piu`... Mamma, ma la canzone mia piu` bella sei tu..." I know you've been listening to it on YOUTUBE, haven't you?

      I'm glad you feel this is a loving blog... I think it is, too... I don't want to try to be "trendy"... just my old Italian me!

      BUON FINE SETTIMANA!

      ANNA

      xxx

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  9. Dear Anna, That looks so delicious! I know how scents can take you back to your childhood so quickly. I always make lemon drizzle cake for my son Sam and he loves the scent of the lemon zest, I do hope he will take it as a happy memory for when he is grown up and fled the nest!
    I hope you are enjoying the sunshine and spring. I went to the beach in Dorset yesterday... and swam in the sea... It was freezing but amazing!
    Take care and have a happy weekend
    Jane xx

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    1. Dear Jane...

      So good to hear from you. Dorset must be so beautiful, this time of year! Today it was lovely, here. We enjoyed a shopping and walking day in Norwichm but we have not packed anything, yet!

      I am sure your son will always remember the scent of your lemon drizzle cake. I think MR Proust would agree, don't you?

      OFF TO BED!

      CIAO!

      ANNA

      xxx

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    2. Daer Anna, Just a little extra note to wish you a very Happy Easter, Jane xxx

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    3. Dear Jane,

      I think I still have time to say "HAPPY EASTER!"

      Not too good here, for the Bank Holiday, as usual... I hope it's a bit sunnier where you are!

      HUGS

      XXX

      ANNA

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  10. Ciao Anna!!!
    Oh yes, I do agree with you...Ciambella is the cake which is made in every Italian household!!!
    Your posts are not only a feast for the tummy, but also for the eyes, LOL!
    Buona domenica!
    Michela :)

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    1. Ciao, cara Michela!

      I'm glad you agree with me! I actually find normal ciambella a bit dry, that's why I thought of having a filling in mine. Also, ricotta in the mixture, makes it moist.

      I also make ciambella using a recipe for torta allo yogurt. For a celebration, I fill the middle (the hole) with strawberries and cream. It's molto deliziosa!

      BUONA NOTTE!

      ABBA

      xxx

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    2. Sorry, Michela! I did it again! No glasses.. pressed the wrong "thing" and changed my name to ABBA!

      "Mamma mia! Here I go again1"...

      CIAO

      ANNA
      x

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  11. Anna cara! You have proved it again! You ARE a GODESS! Mmmh! This looks very delicious and I love that it has a filling! Your story behind it tells me of a lovely, happy and lively childhood and there is a bit of yearning in it! I hope you can catch up when going to Italia next Tuesday! I think this cake could be perfect for Easter! Send you the proof then...hehehe... Thanks for your wishes regarding my foot. It's still swollen but the pain is less. The sun is shining so brightly outside and it is warm but I have to stay on the sofa and hold my leg up so I can make it to Paris next weekend! Ciao Anna! Have a great Sunday and thanks for this wonderful recipe! BMH Christa

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  12. Oh Anna! I have pressed the publish button too soon... please forgive me! I hope your husband is feeling better and he did get out of hospital! That is just so terrible I am shocked! I keep my fingers crossed that you can take off next Tuesday! xxxx Christa

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    1. Dear Christa... yes, we found out that he is alleric to penicillin. Being the weekend, we had to go to a hosptal near here for "Out of hours patients" so he could be seen by a doctor. As soon he stopped taking the tablets he began to feel better. We had a happy day (shopping) today!

      I hope your foot get better and better. YOU MUST GO TO PARIS!

      PS: If you make a ciambella, make sure to put a really thick layer of sweet ricotta through the middle!

      HUGS

      ANNA

      xxx

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  13. Dearest Anna, I hope everything is OK with your husband and you are able to take off tomorrow! I wish you all the best and enjoy Italy to the utmost! I am not a tidy lady I just cleaned the cupboard. Come in a week to my house and have a look: It'll all be a mess again... I am going to work today. Usually I walk but today I'll take the bus and tram. Have a wonderful day and have a splendid time! BMH Christa

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    1. He's been back to normal since yesterday, but... no more penicillin for him!

      We are just doing the last bits, today!

      I hope I have presed all the right keys as, again, no glasses!

      CIAO CHRISTA!

      Have a good day at work!

      BMH

      ANNA

      xxx

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  14. Hello Anna

    The cake looks absolutely delicious and I can totally relate to you when you incorporate stories about your mother. My mother was an excellent baker, her cooking could be hit or miss. I loved the aroma when she baked and she always sang and seemed in a delightful mood when baking.

    I see you are off to Italy, bravo, I am delighted for you.

    Thanks for this delightful recipe and one day I shall bake it.

    My best for a week of joy

    Helen xx

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    1. Hello, Helen Tilston Painter!

      Yes, we are off tomorrow and I'm still packing!

      You see, Helen? memories are always connected with a scent, or an aroma! we have an incredible mind, or should I say brain? Through writing my blog, so many memories come back! i even remembered my new black patent shoes!

      I think there's more of a chance of you painting a cake (as long as it's on a table, outside) than baking one! Am I right> But I'm glad I kind of inspired the thought!

      Off to more packing!

      CIAO!

      ANNA

      xxx

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  15. Hi, Anna, un saluto grande e tanti auguri per una Buona Pasqua! Francesca

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  16. Ciao Anna! So glad to hear from you! Never mind the cards... I do hope you had a fantastic, unforgettable time in Italy! Actually I am sure you did! Are there many pics and "recette" in your suitcase? I am looking forward to them! Having some guests for lunch on Easter Sunday and guess what's for dessert? Si! Your CiamBELLA! Buona notte e Buona Pasqua! Christa

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    1. CIAO CHRISTA!

      Buona Pasqua a te!

      One or two new recipes, and some lovely magazines, in my suitcases, plus some yummy stuff you can't get here in UK. Italy was super, as one would expect. We had a lovely time, though we discovered that one of the cats we fed, last year, had died. We had become very fond of him. He was beautiful.

      Changhing subject, make sure to put plenty of ricotta in the ciambella filling. I'm makinf the Italian Easter classic: Pastiera di ricotta, a kind of crostata. In some parts of Italy they put some kind of grain in the filling. We don't: just lovely ricotta, lemon juice and rind, vanilla, sugar and egg. The food in my part of Italy is much lighter than some other areas... and yummyer!

      BUONA PASQUA AGAIN AND MBH

      SWEET DREAMS!

      ANNA

      xxx

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  17. Ciao Anna - Thanks for your lovely words! Can't wait till you unpack your suitcase! Meanwhile check out my site - A taste of Italy part 4... it was heaven... and I need that recipe Pastiera di ricotta... per favore!!! I was telling our guests about your blog and that the recipe is from your mamma. I am very pleased that you had a good time in Bella Italia! MBH Christa PS. I sure had a sweet dream today!

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    1. Christa...

      Your version of my ciambella looks fantastic, especially with the extra filling. I love ricotta in sweet dishes! This morning I had a slice of my pastiera (or two!) and it tasted even better than it did yesterday!

      I'm busy working today, but I will soon be posting again.

      MBH to you, too!

      ANNA

      xxx

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  18. Dear Anna ,
    I hope you well and take five minutes for you !
    we will keep touch soon.
    Olympia

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    1. Ciao, Olympia! Thank you for writing. I am fine, thanks! We were in Italy just before Easter and after that I was just too busy to post anything! But I will do, soon... it will be very good!

      I love to stay in touch!

      HUGS

      ANNA
      x

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  19. hello anna all right? where are you? fr

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    1. Ciao Francesca! It's a good feeling, being missed!

      Mia cara, ho avuto tanto da fare. Siamo stati in Italia, in Puglia (BARI) e in Campania, dove ho notato con piacere che le mie piante sono vive e sono state mantenute in vita da una cara vicina.

      Ho avuto tanto da fare, ma entro la fine della settimana postero` qualcosa.

      Sono ancora qui, come vedi!

      CIAO!

      ANNA

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  20. MMMM LOVELY PICS:) I really like your blog and will happily follow.
    If you want some swedish decor inspiration, you can check out my blog:)
    Have a great week.

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
    (Sweden)

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    1. Ciao Maria!

      Thank you for visiting my blog. WELCOME! Please do comment whenever you want to, as I'm always happy to communicate with the world!

      Swedish decor sounds good and stylish to me! I'll visit in a second!

      CIAO!

      ANNA
      x

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  21. Welcome back ! I think you were in Italy . How was your trip ? Did you take photos ?We wait for your next post !
    Olympia

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    1. Ciao Olympia,

      The trip was fine. Coming back to reality is always hard, though!
      I took some photos, but not too many, as we were very busy travelling places and also doing some boring things which needed to be done.

      My next post is coming very soon!

      BUONA NOTTE!

      ANNA

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