BR Briefs – Addicted to Amaretti

Since my first visit to the kosher bakery in the Ghetto on the tour with Context Travel, I have made an effort to drop by every week for the amaretti.  They are delicious with a slight crunch as you bite into it but then realize it’s actually soft, chewy and a serious dose of almonds.

While this bakery shop is known as Boccione, you couldn’t really tell as there are no signs outside this store except this small plate which has the opening hours.  This bakery is located at the corner and better known as “the kosher bakery in the Jewish Ghetto”.

Last week when I was there at 11.30am, imagine my disappointment when they told me that they amaretti have been sold out.  On the culinary stroll with Context Travel, we were told that they only baked two trays of them and once they are sold, that’s it.

However, the disappointment was short-lived as I remembered Kenny from Eating Italy Food Tours had mentioned that they had a torta di ricotta e cioccolato (ricotta and chocolate cake) that was to die for.

Fortunately, the lady ahead of me asked for a slice of the cake and it was only then that I realized I didn’t have to buy the whole cake. Aside from the torta di ricotta e cioccolato, there also have a version which is ricotta e visciole (wild cherries). The photo on the right is the ricotta e visciole.

The baked goods here are sold by the weight and I got the other slice of the cake to take away (€18 per kg).  It was good but the craving for the amaretti still hung around.

This week, as I knew I was going to be around the Ghetto, I stopped by earlier to make sure I got my amaretti fix.  Stepping into the bakery, I desperately scanned the display of baked goods and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw they still had a tray full. That is obviously a sign of addiction!

I know this bakery is also known for its pizza ebraica which is cookie-like bar with raisins, candied fruits and nuts.  I have seen them every time I have been there but as I am not a fan of candied fruits, it has never got my fancy. The next time I am there (which is soon), I will buy a piece to give it a try.

If you are here in Rome, drop by this bakery and try their baked goods. If you decide to go for the amaretti, you will realize that there’s nothing quite like them.

Address:
Via Portico D’Ottavia, 1