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Corsican island specialty: Cheese-based dessert that's a mouthwatering must-have

Corsican delight takes stage at holiday feasts: Ambrucciata, a dessert featuring crunchy sable crust, creamy brocciu filling, and a tangy citrus twist, is the celebrated sweet treat hailing from native sheepfolds in Corsica.

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Almond pastry crafted from brocciu core and zest, the Ambrucciata takes center stage at Corsican...
Almond pastry crafted from brocciu core and zest, the Ambrucciata takes center stage at Corsican festivals, graduating from the humble sheepfold.

Corsican island specialty: Cheese-based dessert that's a mouthwatering must-have

In the heart of Corsica, a delightful dessert born from the fusion of humble shepherds and skilled pastry chefs is celebrated - the Ambrucciata. This delectable cheesecake, hailing from Ajaccio, swapped its purely rustic roots for a golden, crisp pastry crust to elevate its role as a symbol of shared moments.

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Ambrucciata should not be confused with the Fiadone, though both desserts share the same brocciu heart. While the former, with its sandy pastry crust, is a pride of Ajaccio, the latter inherited its Italian origins from the 16th-century "fiadoni." Debates around family tables continue to rage as each person defends their preferred version as a family treasure.

The brocciu cheese plays a pivotal role in the Ambrucciata's charm. Born from the waste-not mentality of Corsican shepherds, this "island ricotta" transports the essence of the island from the mountains to festive tables.

Traditional Ambrucciata is adorned with citrus notes and may include wild mint or myrtle liqueur. Each ingredient evokes a part of Corsica's great beauty from the hills' fragrant orchards.

Once reserved for special occasions, Ambrucciata has made its way to daily tables without losing its elegance. In Corsican kitchens, time-honored gestures and the essential generosity of brocciu and island perfumes remain paramount. An offering of Ambrucciata is a warm gesture of hospitality that one could hardly refuse.

The Ancestral Recipe

Ingredients for 8 People

Sablé Pastry:

  • 250g flour
  • 125g butter
  • 60g sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 vanilla sugar packet
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 packet of yeast

Custard:

  • 400g fresh brocciu
  • 150g sugar
  • 5 eggs
  • Zest of one organic lemon
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp myrtle liqueur

Preparation

  1. Prepare the sablé pastry by mixing all ingredients, form a ball, and chill for an hour in the fridge.
  2. Preheat the oven to 190°C.
  3. Roll out the dough in a buttered tart mold, prick and bake for 10 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, mix the crushed brocciu with the egg yolks, sugar, and zest.
  5. Whip the egg whites with salt and gently incorporate them into the mixture.
  6. Pour onto the pre-baked dough and bake for 20 minutes at 200°C.

In Ajaccio, revel in the warmth of tradition and celebrate with a slice of Ambrucciata.

  1. For an authentic cooking experience in Corsica, consider trying the local recipe for Ambrucciata, a beloved cheesecake that embodies the island's lifestyle and food-and-drink culture.
  2. After a day of hiking through Corsica's breathtaking landscapes, unwind at home and embrace the comfort of homemade Ambrucciata, an exquisite dessert that encapsulates the essence of the island's home-and-garden produce.
  3. As you plan your itinerary for Corsica, don't forget to introduce the Ambrucciata, a symbol of Corsican hospitality and proud heritage, to your in-flight meals or dinner parties back home.

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