As we get closer to Christmas, we feel more like starting to eat polvorones and other typical sweets of the time. The variety of them is as great as the quality of the Estepa mantecados (Seville). In particular, these Sevillian products take the cake in their category of delicacies typical of the Christmas. Because they pride themselves on having the seal of Protected Geographical Indication and also because every year they launch a limited edition that is presented in a special case as a tribute. Can you guess who this 2020 marked by the pandemic? You will find out below!
The confectionery, Estepeño emblem
In the Sevillian town located in the southeast of the Andalusian province, they have always been master pastry chefs, as the town is famous since bygone times for its excellent cakes. Of course, the Estepeño emblem above any other sweet is mantecado, a Christmas product with more than a century of tradition. Its origin dates back to XVI century and was linked to Convento de Santa Clara. From this place there are references about the elaboration of an old traditional recipe. The one that little by little was passed from generation to generation.
The work of the pastry chefs in Estepa was essential to satisfy the demands they received from both the nearby Andalusian capital -Sevilla- as one of the most withdrawn Spanish capital -Madrid-. Yes, that was where the prestige of the most renowned pastry delicacy in the municipality reached. It really was in 1870 when authentic ice cream began to be marketed, the one that we enjoy today with its same appearance.
A pioneer and her carrier
The Estepa mantecados Before, it had been called butter cake because this is one of its essential ingredients. It was made in Sevillian houses as tradition dictated. Now, there was a bakery in the town that achieved a unique result thanks to refining and roasting the flour. Micaela Ruiz Tellez earned herself being a pioneer in this preparation technique with which she achieved a smooth and soft dough. When tasting the final sweet, that ideal texture allowed it to be enjoyed as an explosion of flavor in the mouth, because when biting it it broke with subtlety.
The great architect of those Estepa mantecados saw an unbeatable business opportunity, since her husband worked as transportista. Thus he began to market the product outside his locality, having to introduce some change in its preparation. Obviously he had to ensure that the candy was not damaged or broken during the journeys, so he worked on it until he achieved a outer firmness ideal without losing the inner softness.
In the end, little by little his creation became popular and more and more families dedicated to the Estepa mantecados. They soon became typical for Christmas. After the Spanish Civil War, the development of the industry was meteoric and, today, more than 20 producers are dedicated to making this exquisite delicacy.
How is Estepa mantecado?
The brands that currently sell it under the seal PGI Shortbread from Estepa, these sweets are characterized by their rounded shape and their toasted brown color. The texture is compact on the outside but tender on the inside. It enters smooth on the palate, where it gives off its aroma of flour with cinnamon. These are two of its basic ingredients, in addition to the lard (or EVOO, your alternative) and the powdered sugar. In its most original recipe it does not incorporate anything else: the dough is prepared, those elements are added and it goes through the oven.
Each one must have like maximum about 35 grams, although if its preparation is artisan (not industrial) and with olive oil, it is allowed to reach the 50 grams. Those two more traditional varieties -the home and of AOVE- They are usually topped with sesame seeds. Now, there are already mantecados that receive the contribution of other flavors: coconut, cocoa, almond, hazelnut, lemon and vanilla.
Limited edition for the "heroes" of 2020
Any of them is a delight that this 2020 you can taste with it limited edition case that pays tribute to those who have worked so hard during the pandemic. Health, state security forces, workers in the Spanish agri-food sector and a long etcetera deserve to be reflected in a special box. It presents some illustrations by a Sevillian artist and even, in addition to the Estepa mantecados, give a craft ornament for the Christmas tree. You already know how to enjoy this exquisite Estepeño delicacy.
