Torta di Riso: Sweet Orange-Scented Rice Cake, Italian Recipe (VIDEO)

If you observe Lent and you’re giving up sweets, you gotta make torta di riso, a special orange-scented rice cake, right away. It’s a real Italian classic and you only have 4 days before Lent starts. It doesn’t take much effort to make and you get a huge payoff that will hold you over until Easter.

Complete, printable recipe: http://wp.me/p1bo0f-2Dl

I originally learned this recipe from my friend Dee’s mother, who comes from Puglia on the Adriatic in southern Italy. Over the years, I made her recipe lighter, but still just as delicious. Just boil the rice in milk flavored with a vanilla bean, lemon and orange zest. When the rice is cool, mix in raisins, orange zest and egg yolks spiked with orange liqueur. Then fold in fluffy beaten egg whites, pour it into a baking pan and stick it in the oven. How easy is that? The orange and vanilla bean scented arborio rice is tender, light and moist. The plump raisins add a touch of sweetness and the orange zest a fresh perky note. The golden crustless edge is an extra tasty treat. A dollop of whipped cream finishes the cake in style. If you love rice pudding, this cake will take you to a whole new level of ecstasy. Rice cake is even better the next day so make sure you make enough. That way, you’ll be sure to satisfy your craving and have a leg up on making it through the 40 days of Lent.