Cake in a tin? You better believe it!
Délice de l'Amandier from Biscuiterie de Provence
Sometimes packaging can be deceiving. Who would have thought that an almond cake packaged in a pull top aluminum can could be so delicious, convenient and surprisingly elegant?
Biscuiterie de Provence boasts six generations of family-run artisan baking featuring the bounty of the local Provencal countryside. We love the integrity and simplicity of their award-winning, gluten-free Délice de l'Amandier Almond Cake: pure cane sugar, almonds (32%), AOC Charentes-Poitou churned butter and pure vanilla extract.
The taste is decadently rich yet surprisingly light and not overly sweet. The natural flavor of the almonds and artisan butter stands out beautifully. It's also available in a lightly tart lemon version.
As a matter of fact, aluminum tins are the perfect packaging format. Sealed immediately upon baking, this unique format preserves just-baked freshness and moisture and protects the delicate contents from breakage. Yes, this exquisite cake was baked in France (without the use of any preservatives or artificial ingredients), but you can enjoy it as if it were baked today.
Though the cake is small in size (8 inches in diameter), it'll easily serve four hungry guests. Simply pop the lid, work a knife gently around the circumference of the cake separating it from the can sides and invert. Out pops a gorgeous, elegant cake ready to be presented whole, or cut and dressed in individual portions. It just begs to be topped with fresh fruit and crème fraiche, luxurious Amarena Cherries in Syrup, Candied Citrus Cubes, or your favorite sorbet.
Piedmont D.O.P Hazelnuts
The Piedmont region of Italy is among the largest, most varied and productive agricultural regions in the country. So many of our favorite Italian products come from this region: Principato di Lucedio Arborio and Carnaroli Rice, Venchi Chocolate and Confections, Prunotto Extra Jam. It's no wonder that Piedmont is the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement.
Among Piedmont specialties, hazelnuts are a coveted product. From internationally esteemed candied fruit producer, Agrimontana, come these Piedmont D.O.P. (Italian certification of origin) hazelnuts. Prized for their buttery quality and gorgeous aroma, these hazelnuts are harvested from local groves, gently skinned, lightly roasted and vacuum packed to maintain just-picked freshness.
We love to use them in confections, baking, or simply enjoyed on their own as an elegant accompaniment to a cheese platter. But don't let your imagination stop there. The incredible flavor and crunchy texture of these hazelnuts beg to be added to savory dishes.
- Oven roasted cauliflower with brown butter and chopped hazelnuts
- Grilled radicchio with balsamic dressing and crushed hazelnuts
- Organic Farro Casareccia Pasta with sautéed winter greens and chopped hazelnuts