Torta delle rose

Torta delle rose or torta a rose is a typical cake of Mantuan and Brescian cuisine. It is made with leavened dough rich in butter and sugar, which is rolled up and placed in the baking tin, taking the characteristic shape of a basket of rosebuds, hence the name.

History

When Isabella d'Este became Marchioness consort of Mantua in 1490, by marrying Francesco II Gonzaga, the cuisine of Mantua was influenced by that of Emilia: the Marchioness used the advice of Cristoforo di Messisbugo, cook of the Lords of Ferrara, who seems to have created the torta delle rose especially for her.