Cantucci with gorgonzola

Cantucci with gorgonzola is an unusual but interesting pairing between the sweetness of traditional Tuscan cookies and the strong flavor of an Italian blue cheese. It is a combination that can pleasantly surprise as an original aperitif or an appetizer that is different from the usual. Let’s create together a version that marries Tuscan tradition with the bold taste of gorgonzola.

Ingredients

• 250 g of type 00 flour
• 200 g of granulated sugar
• 100 g of whole almonds
• 50 g of sweet gorgonzola
• 2 large eggs
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• ½ teaspoon of baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional, to add a spicy note)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. Add the eggs and the grated lemon zest. Start to work the dough.
4. Once you have obtained a homogeneous mixture, incorporate the whole almonds.
5. Transfer the dough onto a pastry board and shape it into logs about 4-5 cm long and 2 cm wide.
6. Place the logs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15 minutes or until they are golden.
7. Remove from the oven, and while they are still hot, cut the logs diagonally to obtain the cantucci’s typical diagonal shape, then put the cookies back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes to dry out and become crunchy.
8. While the cantucci are cooling, cut the gorgonzola into small pieces or mash it with a fork.
9. When ready to serve, spread a small amount of gorgonzola on each cantucci and if desired, grind some black pepper on the surface.

This version of cantucci is perfect for those who love to experiment and play with contrasts of flavors. If you are not a fan of gorgonzola, you can obviously omit this ingredient and enjoy the cantucci in their classic version, perhaps paired with a good vin santo.

Curiosity

Cantucci, also known as Prato’s biscuits, originate from Tuscany and are traditionally paired with a sweet wine for dipping. The addition of a blue cheese is a modern touch that combines sweet and savory, creating a pleasant contrast of tastes and sensory experiences.