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Artisanal desserts are thriving in Miami, I come across several every month. You’ve read about a few of my favorites here (Pavlova, Casa Gioia, True Loaf),My  latest find is the rich, buttery and moist Real Almond Cake.  The Nicaraguan born Zandra Zampieri is a former New York public relations executive who fell in love with luxury Greek food products (and a successful Greek naval architect), lived on a Greek island for a year and a half,  and found a new passion: making  almond cakes inspired by mythology. And are they ever delicious, a perfect idea for a Mother’s Day gift.

She sells the cakes at select leading restaurants in Miami including the Café at Books and Books in Coral Gables but her real love is selling them directly to individuals so she can enjoy the pleasure they get from her baking passion. The cake is made from an ancient recipe she found in the cooking diary of her husband’s Mother from Patras in the Peloponnese.  The cakes are  made with pure almond paste and thin-sliced almonds. After baking they are soaked in sugar syrup laced with rum, a lengthy process.

The original version, a cathedral shaped bundt cake,  is two pounds and comes in a tomato red box with a red ribbon and storing instructions. Inside there’s a story about the almond as a symbol of hope and eternal love. Zandra also makes minis in bite sizes and larger for wedding favors, and even fondant covered ones as wedding cakes.  Since all are made to order, she needs two to three days advance notice to prepare the cake.  For Miami-Dade orders she will hand deliver. For out of state, cakes are mailed in a tin case to protect it enroute.

Her greater passion is to expand her product line, always luxury products from Greece, and open up a food boutique.  And she is already on her way. She has perfected other products including  glazed clementines she calls “golden apples” said to promote eternal youth and a yummy karidopita, walnut cake. Though the recipes are from Greece, she adapts them for the tastes of Americans who prefer less sugary desserts. Also on tap is a lemon laced extra virgin oil from her husband’s olive groves.

The two pound cake is $35; one pound is $25 and can also be made in a heart shape. The cake goes a long way as you just need a small slice to be satisfied.  If you freeze it the cake can last for six months. Really want to take it up a notch and have a dessert fit for Zeus? Serve it with the sweet Greek wine Moschato.  Or give give it your personal signature, whether it’s raspberries, chocolate sauce, ice cream or whatever. Definitely food of the gods.

The Real Almond Cake. Contact zanka@bellsouth.net or call 305-968-6551.