Grappa-Soaked Mini Sponge Cakes
When I started my blog years ago I was thrilled to discover Cream Puffs in Venice and meet (through cyberspace) the lovely Ivonne. We both live in Canada, are of Italian descent and share a passion for collecting cookbooks. The Dolce Italiano by Gina DePalma is one of our favourites and out of all the delicious recipes in this wonderful cookbook, we decided to make the Grappa-Soaked Mini Sponge Cakes and to write a post on our baking experiences.
How To Make Grappa-Soaked Mini Sponge Cakes
The recipe is quite simple to follow and only has a few steps. You start off making the grappa syrup which may seem a bit strong at first but as a result of boiling and simmering some the of the grappa evaporates.
The recipe for the sponge cakes is actually a recipe for pan di spagna using the same technique as making a sponge cake. While the cakes are warm you brush on the grappa syrup. I served these little cakes with blueberries and raspberries with a sprinkling of icing sugar – sweet heaven!
Great Holiday Gift
Fellow bakers I definitely recommend you add the Dolce Italiano cookbook to your Christmas gift list (if you can wait that long) or purchase it as a present to the bakers in your life. Each recipe is a treasure!
Another favourite from Dolce Italiano is La Befana’s Stars (Befanini) cookies.
Liliana ~ I have found my way to your blog through Ivonne – she is such a gem in the blogosphere. It is always lovely to share a recipe or go on a cooking venture with someone. Last year my friend Freya and I both made different tarts by the same author. Besides, the shared enthusiasm makes for convenient excuses to buy more cookery books.
The success that you and Ivonne have had with the recipe already has me one finger away from buying DiPalma’s book.
You have a lovely blog, and your kitchen is coming along amazingly. I love the colour of the wood!
I just love the way you decorated your little cakes, Liliana! They look so adorable. I’m so happy that we did this together. We’ll have to do it again in the New Year!
Your little cakes look so delicious, I may have to buy the cookbook!
These are such cute little cakes!!