Ingredients

7 ounces amaretto cookies ( dry )
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups flour
3 eggs
3/4 cup peeled almonds
1 fluid ounce amaretto liqueur
puff pastry , for 9 inch pan
1 pinch salt
Torta Russa, also known as Russian Cake, is a delicious Italian pastry that is perfect for celebrations and casual gatherings. As the name suggests, this crispy layered pastry originally comes from Russia but has gained immense popularity in Italy and in other countries over the years due to its unique flavor and texture. The pastry is made of puff pastry sheets, dry amaretto cookies, unsalted butter, peeled almonds and amaretto liqueur. The cookies and almonds account for the crispy layers, butter for a rich and smooth texture, and the amaretto liqueur for the pleasant almond aroma. The filling mixture of amaretti and almonds creates the perfect combination of flavors and moisture that makes this cake stand out. This Torta Russa recipe is a perfect dessert if you want to introduce your guests to the traditional Italian cuisine. The recipe is easy to follow, and the layers are simple to assemble, making it a great choice for even novice bakers out there!

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2.Crush amaretto cookies and mix with butter.
3.Beat sugar and eggs in another bowl with a pinch of salt until they turn soluble.
4.Add flour to the mixture, keep stirring to combine perfectly and form a dough.
5.Make the almond filling by blending peeled almonds with amaretto liqueur until smooth.
6.Roll out puff pastry and cut it into two pieces. Grease a 9-inch pan and place one of the puff pastry sheets at the bottom.
7.Spread the almond mixture on top of the first pastry.
8.Put the second pastry sheet on top, pressing around the edges to seal them.
9.Brush the upper surface of the pastry with an egg wash.
10.Bake in the oven for around 30-40 minutes until the pastry turns golden brown.
11.Let the pastry cool, then serve sliced pieces as per your convenience.

PROS

Torta Russa is a crisp, sweet and nutty Italian pastry with a unique flavor that comes from the combination of crunchy cookies and plain dough.
The filling made of peeled almonds and amaretto liqueur adds to the taste and texture of the cake.

It is relatively easy to prepare and there are a variety of ways to slice and present the pastry as per your creativity and occasion.

It is also an ideal dessert to serve accompanied by hot beverages like coffee, tea or hot cocoa.

CONS

The sugar and butter ingredients are relatively high in calorie count, which may make Torta Russa less suitable for people on weight loss programs or with a sweet tooth.
Individuals allergic to nuts and gluten may need to avoid this pastry.

The puff pastry used in the recipe has high-fat content and may not be an appropriate choice for individuals looking for low-fat diet options.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Torta Russa has some potential health benefits mainly attributed to the nutrient content of almonds. Almonds are rich in nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. They have been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, controlling blood sugar levels, supporting healthy brain function, and aiding in weight loss.
The amaretto liqueur, though used in small quantities, is rich in antioxidants and may help fight inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. It also has a low glycemic index, which may help regulate blood sugar levels.

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