Runeberg’s Torte / Runebergintorttu

Runeberg's torte (Runebergintorttu in the Finnish language) is a Finnish pastry flavored with almonds, rum, raspberry jam, and a ring of white icing on top. The torte got its name after the Finnish poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg (1804–1877). According to the legend, the poet enjoyed the torte for breakfast, which was baked by his wife, Fredrika. These delicious and beautiful looking pastries are usually eaten in Finland around Runeberg's birthday on February 5.

There are many versions of Runeberg's Torte available in the shops. Here we try to give the easier preparation with a wonderful rich almond flavor as it is supposed to be.

Ingredients

• 1 dl whole wheat flour (or pastry-flour of your choice)

• 0,5 dl almond flour

• 1 dl bread crumbs (or gingerbread crumbs or crushed gingerbread biscuits)

• 1 dl brown sugar

• 1,5 dl almond yogurt

• 0,5 tsp almond essence

• 1tsp baking powder

• 0,5 tsp cardamom powder

• 0,5 tsp cinnamon powder

• rum for flavor (optional)

Instructions

Mix the sugar, yogurt, almond essence, and rum (if using).

Mix the remaining dry ingredients in seperate bowl

Add them to the other mixture.

Divide the batter into cupcake molds.

Bake in the oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes

Let them cool completely before decorating them.

Raspberry-Filling

-Buy your favorite raspberry jam from the shops, or make your own.

-Create a small round hole in the middle of the tart.

-Fill the void with the jam.

White icing

1 tbsp water, 2 dl powdered sugar

-First, add more than half of your sugar to the water, mix well until smooth. Add the rest of the sugar only if the consistency is not hard enough.

-Decorate the cakes with white frosting by adding it around the raspberry jam as a circle.

Enjoy your Runeberg's Torte perhaps by reading some of the poet's poetry:

Who has given the wind wisdom, Lent the air a tongue so lightsome, Ready speech to the yard's rowan, And the small birds' tender bevy?

(from All Seemed to Be Speaking, Speaking, translation. By C.E. Tallqvist)

Written by: Mehri Riviere

Photo by: Simplyfinnoymom