Author's Note

Within the pages of The Spy and the Homemaker, Virginia's character emerges as a bridge between cultures, striving to weave together the tapestry of her husband Axel's Swedish heritage with the intricate threads of her own upbringing in Plainfield, New Jersey, in the tumultuous year of 1942. In a heartfelt attempt to connect Axel with the flavors of his childhood, Virginia delved into her culinary repertoire, crafting Swedish recipes that held sentimental value for him. This culinary endeavor became a manifestation of love, an effort to nurture a sense of home away from home. Amidst the socio-political backdrop of 1942 Plainfield, Mr. Robinson, a respected black man, played a significant role in Virginia's life. Having been an indispensable presence in Virginia's father's employ for several years, Mr. Robinson not only contributed to the household through his labor but also shared a part of his world with Virginia. After completing tasks for her, he presented her with a jar of jam, a tangible token of his wife's craftsmanship and a gesture that transcended racial boundaries. Virginia, embodying resilience and compassion, stood resolute against the disrespectful attitudes of her neighbors. In the face of prevailing racial prejudices, she championed equality and instilled in her sons a crucial lesson—that the essence of a person extends beyond the color of their skin. Virginia's narrative unfolds as a testament to the power of empathy and the courage to challenge ingrained prejudices, leaving an indelible mark on the legacy she sought to build within her own family.

Virginia’s Linzer Torte

The Linzer Torte is believed to be one of the oldest known cakes in the world, with its origins tracing back to Linz, Austria. The earliest recipe dates back to the 17th century, found in a cookbook from 1653, indicating the long-standing tradition of this beloved pastry. The classic Linzer Torte is characterized by its lattice design on top, made from a crumbly, nutty dough typically composed of ground almonds or nuts, lemon zest, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. The torte is filled with black currant preserves, though raspberry jam is a popular modern variation. The distinctive lattice pattern on top is not only decorative but also allows the vibrant color of the jam to be visible, adding to its visual appeal.

Ingredients
  • Crust
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup ground almonds (almond meal)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
  • Filling
  • 1 cup raspberry jam (or any available fruit jam)
  • 1/2 cup ground almonds (almond meal)
Instructions
  1. Crust
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  3. In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
  5. Divide the dough in half. Press one half into the bottom of a greased and floured cake pan, forming the crust.
  6. Filling
  7. Spread the raspberry jam over the crust. Sprinkle ground almonds evenly over the jam.
  8. Take the remaining dough and roll it into thin ropes or rolled flat into strips.
  9. Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern over the jam.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
  11. Serve
  12. Serve plain, cool or warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

Serves: 8 servings

Category: Dessert

Cuisine: German

Updated: 4 months ago

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