Massini, Imperial: the most exquisite cake?

It seems that this cake was also prepared by a friend of yours, or perhaps more than a friend, the heroine of the Risorgimento Giuditta Bellerio Sidoli, with whom Massini exchanged political ideas and passionate letters. In Geneva, where Massini was exiled, a passionate and turbulent love story between them arose, and this cake is a sweet and tender memory of her...

 

In Uruguay, it is said to have originated in the Sant Marc convent in Lleó during the 12th century. In reality, it is a cake created in honor of Angelo Masini (1844-1926), an Italian tenor known as the "angelic tenor." He performed successfully and had a dedicated career in Europe.

 

In Montevideo, Uruguay, there is a pastry shop (founded in 1951) that has become famous for its Massini. However, the name suggests that its founder could be of Catalan origin.

 

In Catalonia, it is known as "flamets" (equivalent to the Spanish "tocinillos") which are included in the pastry selection, but it has a serious competitor: creamed custard, which is also used to garnish small cakes. In Valencia, the custard is more commonly used than in Catalonia, and it is employed in cooking dishes and other cakes or pies.

 

In any case, there are various bakery creations that honor the name of a muse or collective, such as musical venues or a saint, which are sometimes the name of a town.