Presnitz

Presnitz is originally from Castagnevizza (Kostanjevica na Krasu), a town which is now just over the Italian border in Slovenia but not far from the Friuliian town of Gorizia. The recipe is found in the cuisine of the provinces of Trieste and Gorizia. It’s said that it was first prepared for the Emperor of Austria in the early nineteenth century, who would give out the cake – then known as the Princess’s Prize (preis prinzessin) which became corrupted into presnitz. It is worth noting however that there is a town, now in the Czech Republic, called Pressnitz which could be the true origin.

This cake is reminiscent of winter delicacies made all over central and northern Europe which means it makes an excellent addition to any Christmas table. It can be made with homemade or shop-bought puff pastry, which should be rolled thinner than usual baking so it won’t puff up so much during cooking.