A delightful cake recipe is a specialty of Sicily. It is filled with a delicious ricotta cheese filling.

• 1 fresh Pan di Spagna (or substitute pound cake)
• 1 pound ricotta cheese
• 2 Tbs heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 Tbs orange flavored liqueur
• 3 Tbs candied fruit, chopped
• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, grated
• confectioners sugar for topping

Directions

1. Cut the Pan di Spagna horizontally into 4 even layers.
2. With a mixer, beat the ricotta cheese until it is smooth.
3. Mix in the cream, sugar, grated chocolate, and orange liqueur.
4. With a spatula fold in the candied fruit.
5. Place the bottom layer of cake on a flan pan or dish and spread it with 1/3 of the ricotta-chocolate mixture.
6. Place another layer of cake on top of the filling, keeping the sides and ends even.
7. Spread with 1/3 of the ricotta-chocolate filling.
8. Repeat with another layer of cake and filling.
9. Top with a plain layer of cake on top.
10. Gently press the cake together.
11. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
12. Before serving sprinkle confectioners sugar over the top.

Note: To simplify the construction process, bake the cake in a springform pan. When preparing the layers place them in the clean spring form pan. After chilling you can remove the spring form frame.