Fiadone takes its name from the Italian for flan, although it's a type of flourless cheesecake made combining lemon with a thick Corsican fromage frais called brocciu (ricotta makes a good substitute).
Fusing Italian and French influences, this is a simple and quick dessert to whip up. In Corsica, the fiadone is typically prepared for holidays like New Year's Eve and Easter, although it is also eaten all year round.
It is usually eaten cold, and can be accompanied by a coulis of citrus fruits.
Add a Christmassy touch by making it with Corsican clementines, or oranges, instead.
Serves 8 people
Ingredients
500g of brocciu cheese (substitute with ricotta if you can't find it)
5 eggs
150g sugar
zest of one lemon
Method
Strain any excess water off the cheese, mash it and mix it with the eggs without beating them.
Add the sugar and the lemon zest.
Pour the batter into a buttered rectangular baking dish and bake for 25 minutes at 180 degrees until golden.
Allow to cool before cutting into portions.
Fiadone is sometimes described as Corsican cheesecakeVladKK/Shutterstock
Don't forget that French cooking enthusiasts can also find recipes in our monthly 'French Living' culture and lifestyle pullout, included with every print edition.
