Certosino di Bologna
Certosino di Bologna is a rich and fascinating Christmas dessert, a symbol of Bolognese tradition. Made with dark chocolate, roasted almonds, candied fruit, and a touch of mustard that enhances its flavors, it represents the perfect union of sweetness and spices. Perfect for the holidays, it captivates with its aromatic complexity and crispy texture.
Preparation
- 1
Gently toast the whole almonds in the oven at 160°C for about 8-10 minutes, then chop them roughly by hand.
- 2
Cut the candied fruit and candied orange zest into small, uniform cubes.
- 3
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and sugar, letting them dissolve slowly for 5 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon.
- 4
Add the chopped dark chocolate to the honey and sugar mixture, stirring until completely melted.
- 5
Remove from heat and incorporate the mustard powder, mixing well to distribute it evenly.
- 6
Add the roasted almonds, pine nuts, candied fruit, and butter, stirring carefully until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
- 7
Pour the mixture onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and level the surface with a damp spatula.
- 8
Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C for about 35-40 minutes, until the surface is lightly golden.
- 9
Let cool completely, then cut the Certosino di Bologna into squares and store it in an airtight container.
- 10
Serve at room temperature, optionally accompanied by sweet wine or coffee.
Chef's Tips
The mustard should not be dominant: its only role is to enrich the aromatic notes. For optimal storage, keep it in a cool, dry place for up to 2-3 weeks. If the mixture seems too soft, you can add a tablespoon of almond flour.