One of our favorite restaurants in Positano was Saraceno d’Oro.

At night, the restaurant (straddling the main road which winds down the hillside into town), would glow.

Outside, a roving band of guitarists serenaded diners at the patio, under the stars. Inside, large tables of families and friends cheered as they clinked tiny glasses of neon limoncello.

We loved Saraceno d’Oro not only for their warm staff, atmospheric setting, and exquisite pizza. We loved Saraceno d’Oro not only because it was run by the namesake of the very sweet pensione where we were staying – Maria Luisa. We loved Saraceno d’Oro for their Torta Caprese.

By now, it is well established that I love chocolate and almonds. This cake features both. It is an intensely flavored cake that is moist and not too rich. And (as a bonus for those who are gluten intolerant or skeptical): It’s gluten free.

I stopped by the morning of our departure to listen to the pastry chef dictate the recipe as he prepared the day’s profiteroles, drenched in chocolate. Here it is (translated on the spot into English by a very kind and thoughtful waitress):

Ingredients:

200 g. sugar

200 g. butter

200 g. almonds (finely ground)

200 g. dark chocolate

1/2 tsp. vanilla

6 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

2. Butter a 12 in. round cake pan.

3. Separate the eggs and whisk the whites with the sugar to form peaks.

4. Melt the chocolate with the butter in a double boiler. Remove from heat and add the egg yolks, vanilla, and almonds.

5. Slowly fold the chocolate mixture into the egg whites.

6. Pour batter into the buttered pan and bake 30-35 minutes.

Enjoy!

Have a great week!