Italian Christmas Pie(Calsoune)
Italian Christmas Pie, also known as Calsoune, is a rich, festive dessert featuring a blend of creamy ricotta, grated chocolate, aromatic spices, and citrus zest. Perfect for holiday celebrations, it offers a luscious, sweet flavor profile that appeals to both traditional and adventurous palates. A delightful treat for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warmed milk is prepared as the base for the mixture.
- Separate the eggs, setting aside the yolks and whites.
- Combine the egg yolks with sugar, grated orange and lemon rinds, and liquor.
- Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring well.
- Add the grated chocolate, Ricotta cheese, cinnamon, and baking powder, mixing thoroughly.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the mixture to incorporate air.
- Pour the batter into a prepared baking dish.
- Bake until set and golden on top, timing as needed based on oven.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure that the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before folding them into the batter. If Ricotta cheese is unavailable, you can substitute it with mascarpone or cottage cheese for a similar creamy consistency. To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian Christmas Pie warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Cavatappi With Spinach, Beans & Asiago Cheese to balance the sweetness with savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the pie's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Christmas Pie(Calsoune) contains roughly 2408 calories, with 55g protein, 471g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (242% of the Daily Value), iron (168% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2140mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie can be made a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before covering it and placing it in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat it gently before serving to maintain its texture.
Is it possible to use fewer eggs?
While the recipe calls for 27 eggs, reducing the number may affect the pie's structure and texture. If you choose to use fewer eggs, consider adding a substitute such as unsweetened applesauce or yogurt to maintain moisture.
What can I do if I don't have baking powder?
If you find yourself without baking powder, you can create a substitute by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar. Alternatively, use 1/4 cup of buttermilk in your wet ingredients to provide the necessary leavening.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).