Made on request or available in the pantry. Pasticciotto (also known as Pasticciotto Leccese) is the iconic dessert of Salento, in Puglia. It consists of a golden, oval shortcrust pastry shell, traditionally filled with a thick, velvety lemon-scented custard.
Origin: It is believed to have been invented in 1745 by pastry chef Andrea Ascalone in the town of Galatina. Legend has it that he created it using leftover pastry and cream to make a smaller pastry for a customer, who was immediately enthusiastic.
Main ingredients:
Shells: Flour, sugar, eggs, and, traditionally, lard instead of butter for added crunchiness.
Filling: Whole milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch, flavored with lemon zest or vanilla.