Ligurian Walnut and Candied Peel Pie (Liguria)

Desserts

Ingredients

Shelled walnuts - 1 2/3 cups

Eggs, separated - 5

Granulated sugar - 2/3 cup

Bitter chocolate, grated - 5 squares

Grated rind of 1/2 lemon

Diced mixed candied peel - 1/3 cup

Butter and fine dry breadcrumbs for pie pan

Pound or grind the walnuts to a powder. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until fluffy. Beat the egg whites until stiff. Mix the egg yolks with the powdered walnuts, chocolate, grated rind and candied peel, and fold in egg whites. Pour the walnut mixture into a buttered and breadcrumbed pie pan and bake in a moderate oven (375F) for about 1 hour. When cooked, the pie should be about 1/2 inch thick, rather like a pizza. Turn it out and leave it to cool on a cake rack before serving.