Recipe of the week: cupete

Cupete, or copete, are a simple dessert from the tradition of the province of Cuneo, which can be found in all the region of Piedmont.

They are composed of two discs made of host which enclose a layer of honey, walnuts, hazelnuts and sugar.

Its main ingredients, honey, walnuts and hazelnuts, are all locally produced. 

In particular, the region of Piedmont is proudly well-known for its hazelnuts. Some of the best hazelnuts are in fact produced in the Langhe: they are known as “tonda gentile delle Langhe”.

A typical desserts prepared by the peasants of the area, cupete are traditionally consumed in November, during the Christmas festivities, and again in occasion of the Carnival.

Cupete are very easy to make. Here is our suggested recipe.

Ingredients:

Method:

Put the sugar in a small pot, better if a tin-free copper pot, and let caramelise. 

When the sugar has turned into a blonde colour, add the honey, the hazelnuts and the walnuts, and stir.

With a spoon, put some of the mixture onto a host disc, then put another disc on top of it. Repeat with all the discs. 

Let the cupete rest on a cold surface, like a marble table, with a weight on top on them. 

The sugar will harden to keep all ingredients together, while the honey will give the cupete their typical soft texture.