Here’s how to prepare the typical Trentino cakes for the celebration of the dead
Italy is a country where there are many typical regional recipes that are prepared at certain times of the year. In particular there are certain cakes which are prepared during particular holidays. An example of this can be found in the cakes of the dead of Trentino. Italian traditions will guide you on the discovery of this product typical of this region of northern Italy. Here we will talk about its history and the traditional recipe to prepare these cakes which are traditionally consumed during the day of the dead.
What are the “cavalli” of Trentino Alto Adige?
The Trentino “cavalli” (literally “horses”) are cakes typical of this region of northern Italy. These are large sweet loaves. Their main characteristic is that they are shaped like horses. In fact, their name derives precisely from this. They are a sort of bread and therefore the process for their preparation takes place in the same way. The most interesting peculiarity regards the fact that they are prepared only and exclusively for this recurrence of the first days of November.
The origin of the Trentino horses
The origin of the most famous cake in Trentino for the day of the dead is still uncertain. Most likely this animal is a reference to the mythology of ancient Greece. In fact it refers to the goddess Epona, protector of horses, who had the task of accompanying the souls of the dead to their afterlife. According to tradition, these cakes had to be placed on the table the night before the celebration so that the dead could eat when they visited.
The ingredients to prepare the “cavalli”
The “cavalla” of the dead are sweet loaves. Various ingredients are required for their preparation. The following are used to obtain the dough:
- 500 g of wheat flour
- 200 ml of milk
- 14 g of dry yeast
- 75 g of sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 egg yolks
- 90 g of butter
- 60 g of soaked raisins
- 10 ml of Rum.
How do we prepare the “Cavalli” of the dead?
The procedure for the preparation of one of the most popular cakes in Trentino for the day of the dead is very simple. In fact, you just have to follow these simple steps. First you have to put the yeast in a little warm water. Then add a tablespoon of flour and let it rest for about 20 minutes. Now you have to prepare the dough. Work it by hand adding lukewarm milk until the desired consistency is achieved. Now divide it into several parts and place it inside the special horseshoe shapes.
Now you just have to put in the oven at 180 degrees for 30 minutes. We suggest you check the cooking level after about 15 minutes. Once ready leave the loaves to cool. Now sprinkle with icing sugar and serve.
In Italy there are many traditional recipes that are used to make cakes for particular holidays. If you want to know other traditional regional recipes we recommend reading this article too. Now that you know all about the desserts for the day of the dead in Trentino, you just have to try your hand at their preparation.