Austro-Hungarian Desserts in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
During the late 14th century, two competing powers were emerging in Europe: the Venetian Republic and the Austrian Empire. As the Venetians set forth on an extensive conquering spree, Trieste…
Gubana, Putizza, Presnitz: Deciphering Friuli’s Spiral Pastries
While doing research for Flavors of Friuli, one of my most nagging questions was this: is there any difference between gubana and the similar-looking spiral pastries from Trieste, putizza and…
Trieste: Putizza
With no more day trips planned, I allowed myself the luxury of sleeping in until 8:00am. While brushing my teeth that morning, I was startled by a loud ringing—presumably the…
Trieste: Torta Dobos
I had planned on leaving for Pasticceria Penso extra early the next morning, but a restless night of sleep made rousing myself at 6:30am hopelessly unappealing. So by the time…
Budapest, Hungary: Day One
Arriving in Budapest the previous afternoon turned out to be somewhat more of a culture shock than Vienna had been. After many years of traveling throughout Italy, I had begun…
Dobos Torte
My recipe for Dobos Torte (Layer Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting and Caramel Glaze), as excerpted from Flavors of Friuli: A Culinary Journey through Northeastern Italy, has been featured at…