Recipe: Crostata alla Monteprandonese, a traditional dessert that tells the story of the village

In the heart of the Marche region, nestled amongst the hills overlooking the Adriatic Sea and the vineyards of the Piceno area, lies Monteprandone, one of the most charming villages in the province of Ascoli Piceno. Strolling through its narrow streets means immersing yourself in an authentic atmosphere of stone houses, panoramic views and ancient traditions handed down from generation to generation. It is here that one of the most representative desserts of the local culture originates: the Crostata alla Monteprandonese, a recipe that encapsulates the flavour of the grape harvest, conviviality and peasant cuisine.

This speciality represents much more than a simple dessert. It is a symbol of the village’s identity, linked to the rhythms of rural life and the ability of farming families to transform simple ingredients into dishes rich in flavour and memory. Even today, in homes across the area, this tart continues to be prepared according to jealously guarded recipes, which often vary from family to family, yet are united by the same intense, spicy aroma.

Ph. Moreno Capomagi

A dessert inspired by the grape harvest

The Monteprandonese tart has its roots in the rural traditions of the Marche region. In the past, it was mainly prepared during the grape harvest, one of the most important times of the year for farming families. The freshly picked grapes were turned into jam or cooked must, precious ingredients used to enrich autumn desserts.

Grape jam formed the heart of the recipe, giving the tart an intense and aromatic flavour. To this were added ingredients readily available in the pantries of country homes: unsweetened cocoa, coffee, cinnamon, almonds and a touch of rum. A blend capable of creating a unique, enveloping flavour deeply linked to the scents of the Marche region.

Like many traditional folk dishes, this tart too arose from the need to waste nothing and to make the most of what was available. Yet, despite its ‘humble’ origins, the result is surprisingly rich and refined in flavour.

Monteprandone: a blend of history and stunning views

A visit to Monteprandone means discovering a village with authentic charm, perched on the Piceno hills and offering splendid views stretching from the Adriatic Sea to the Sibillini Mountains. The historic centre still retains its medieval layout, with narrow alleyways, picturesque little squares and ancient walls.

The village is also known as the birthplace of Saint James of the Marches, a key figure in Franciscan spirituality. Strolling through the streets of the centre, one breathes in a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, where culinary traditions, culture and hospitality continue to form a fundamental part of the local identity.

And it is precisely in the kitchens of Monteprandone’s families that the crostata lives on, offering a taste of the Marche region’s most authentic flavours.

Ingredients

For the shortcrust pastry

300 g flour
150 g sugar
100 g butter
2 whole eggs
1 sachet of vanilla-flavoured baking powder

For the filling

Grape jam
1½ tablespoons of instant coffee powder
4 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
100 g of almonds
1 tablespoon of rum

Process

First, prepare the shortcrust pastry by mixing the flour, sugar, butter, eggs and baking powder until you have a soft, smooth dough. Once the pastry has rested, move on to preparing the filling.

In a bowl, combine the grape jam with the cocoa, ground coffee, cinnamon, chopped almonds and rum, creating a rich, spiced cream. At this point, roll out the pastry in a baking tin, pour in the filling and finish with the classic decorative strips.

The tart is then baked in the oven until the surface turns golden brown and the aroma fills the kitchen.

Variations and family tradition

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Monteprandonese tart is the existence of numerous local variations. Some families replace the grape jam with plum jam, whilst others choose to mix the two to achieve an even richer flavour.

Every recipe holds little secrets handed down through the generations: some add more cinnamon, others prefer a stronger hint of coffee, and some enrich the filling with other dried fruit. This constant reinterpretation shows just how much the dessert is still alive in the collective memory of the village.

Ph. Cesare

A flavour that reflects the local area

The Monteprandonese tart is the perfect example of how traditional cuisine can tell the story of a region. Every ingredient evokes the agricultural history of the Piceno area, its vineyards, the grape harvest and the customs of the farming families who have lived on these hills for centuries.

Tasting it means discovering not only a traditional dessert, but also the authentic soul of Monteprandone: a village where traditions, flavours and memories continue to intertwine around the table to this day.

In collaboration with Comune di Monteprandone