Description

A traditional Ligurian sweet loaf filled with raisins, pine nuts, candied fruit, and aromatic anise, offering a rustic yet festive flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

3 1/2 oz raisins

1/3 cup pine nuts

1/3 cup small candied fruit

2 teaspoons anise seeds

A few spoonfuls of milk

3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

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Instructions

Set out the butter at room temperature for at least an hour, then cut it into cubes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Rinse the raisins and dry them well.
Place the anise seeds in a glass of water and keep only the ones that float.
Place the flour on the counter and add the butter, sugar, and a little milk.
As the dough starts to come together, add the raisins, pine nuts, candied fruit, and baking powder. Add more milk if needed to achieve a dough-like consistency, mixing quickly.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Bake for about 1 hour, or until lightly browned. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Add lemon zest for a bright citrus note.

Replace some raisins with dried figs or apricots for deeper sweetness.

Add a touch of orange blossom water for extra aroma.

Brush the top with milk for a firmer, slightly shiny crust.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg