Bolognese Christmas tart ‘pinza’

There is nothing more enjoyable than discovering some of the typical Italian regional specialties of the Christmas period, since at this time of year the food has an explosion of flavours, fragrances and colours, and a contagious atmosphere that gladdens the heart of young and old. Today we’re offering an insight into the traditions of the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Veneto, and we’re going to show you how to make a sort of covered tart that, depending on the region, is served during Christmas - as in case of Emilia-Romagna - or in conjunction with the arrival of the Epiphany - as happens in the Veneto. Each of the variants is characterized by the use of special ingredients, and today we have decided to present the Emilian version. Follow our step-by-step recipe, including all our top tips, and get ready to enjoy a dessert full of flavour and tradition.

In a large bowl, sift in the flour and baking powder, and add the sugar. Stir and add the cold, diced butter. Add the eggs and knead quickly until you get a firm dough. Wrap the mixture with cling film and leave in the fridge for 30 minutes, then remove. Divide it into 4 parts, two slightly bigger than the other two. I recommend using the two larger pieces for the base and the final layer, and the two smaller pieces for the two inner layers. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough between 2 sheets of baking parchment. Grease and flour a cake tin 26 cm in diameter. Once the dough is rolled out, lay it with the baking parchment directly into the cake tin. (Take care to cut the baking parchment to fit the tin). Prick the dough all over with a fork. In another bowl mix the various jams with the pine nuts. Divide the jam so that you have enough to make three layers. Spread the jam over the first layer of dough, leaving a few cm around the edge. Spread out the second layer of dough, prick with a fork and then spread over the jam. Add the third layer, again pricking holes with a fork and cover with jam. Finish the tart with the last layer of dough. Prick the surface and seal the edges by pressing with your fingers. Bake at 180°C (fan oven) for 40/45 minutes. Let it cool, turn it out upside down, remove the baking parchment from the bottom and place on a serving dish.