A traditional Italian crostata recipe

When it comes to a cup of tea in Italy there is always a fresh baked crostata. It's a  simple, flavorful and very delicious dessert. Perfect as a party food too! Try it and I'm sure it will become a frequent guest in your house:-)

You need:

- 250g (9 oz) plain flour
- 150g (2/3 cup) soft butter
- 80g (1/3 cup) sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 lemon zest
- a pinch of vanilla powder
- 1/2tsp baking powder
- 250g (9 oz) jam of your choice

 Whip the butter and sugar

 Add the flour, grated lemon zest, vanilla powder, baking powder and eggs

Mix the ingredients until you get a smooth soft ball

Divide the pastry in 2/3 and 1/3 and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes

Take the 2/3 of the dough, roll it out to 1 cm thick and set it over the baking pan

Spread the jam on the tart

Roll out the 1/3 of the dough and cut it in strips

Lay them over the jam in a crosshatch pattern and add a thin ring around the border of crostata

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and bake crostata for 30 minutes till golden brown color. Let it cool and enjoy it with a cup of tea. Bon appetit:-)