Chocolate Roll: A Sweet Taste of Nostalgia and Tradition

You’ve got to try Nonna Adele’s chocolate roll! It's a nostalgic treat that brings childhood memories flooding back. Trust me, you’ll love it!

Rediscovering the Joy of Chocolate Roll

When I think of chocolate roll, a wave of childhood nostalgia washes over me. This delightful dessert is often made by grandmothers across Italy, particularly in regions like Umbria and Lazio. It first appeared between the 18th and 19th centuries and was even featured by culinary icon Pellegrino Artusi in his classic Italian cookbook. Recently, I found myself enchanted by a heartwarming episode of Con le mani in pasta, where they introduced us to Nonna Adele—a true artisan of this sweet dish.

Located high in the mountains at Monteflavio, Nonna Adele shares her secret recipe for making chocolate roll with her eight adoring grandchildren. What struck me most was not just the ingredients but the story behind each creation—the laughter echoing from the kitchen as children devour their favorite treats crafted by loving hands.

The Secret to Perfect Pan di Spagna

One cannot talk about chocolate roll without emphasizing its backbone: pan di Spagna. Master pastry chef Iginio Massari teaches that crafting a fluffy sponge is paramount. With just eggs, sugar, flour, and possibly lemon zest for aroma, this cake provides both structure and softness—essential qualities for rolling.

• Ingredients: The classic proportions involve equal parts sugar and flour; however, incorporating potato starch can enhance fluffiness.
• Technique: Beat eggs and sugar until thickened; then gently fold in flour for a light texture.
  This step requires patience—trust me! One time I rushed this stage only to find my sponge crumbled during rolling. It was a learning moment that taught me respect for traditional techniques!

Nonna Adele’s Irresistible Recipe

Now let’s dive into what makes Nonna Adele’s version stand out:

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 5 whole eggs
• 6 tablespoons Petra 5 flour
• Hazelnut cream (softened)
• Alchermes liqueur (to soak)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until dense and frothy—a sign you’re on your way to something magical!
2. Gradually incorporate flour with gentle folds until smooth.
3. Pour onto parchment-lined baking sheet & bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes—keeping an eye on it!
4. Once baked, invert it onto a damp cloth to remove parchment quickly while warm—you don’t want any sticking here!
5. Brush with alchermes before spreading hazelnut cream evenly—a crucial step! Then gently roll it up using the towel’s help.
6. Wrap in aluminum foil and return briefly to the oven to set everything perfectly together before finally sprinkling powdered sugar on top!
   What could be better than creating sweets that summon family memories? Whether served on special occasions or cozy afternoons, this dessert never fails to create smiles around the table.

FAQ About Chocolate Roll

did you know?
note about how versatile these rolls are? They can be filled with various creams or fruits based on personal taste or seasonal availability!
facts:
you can even use coffee-infused syrups if you want something unique instead of alchermes—for an adult twist on this beloved childhood classic!
great tip:
do yourself a favor—pair it with lightly brewed coffee or sweet dessert wine—it takes your experience up several notches!

Photo by Jakub Dziubak on Unsplash