Here is an excellent example where - literally - necessity becomes the mother of invention.
The potato cake is a case of "waste not, want not". The potatoes that had been spoilt during the harvest and therefore could not be stored through the winter, were not wasted but turned into this delicious speciality of peasant cuisine.
In the third week of September, on the day dedicated to San Savino, the spoilt potates were boiled and then mashed.
Onions fried in butter and lard were added to the potatoes, along with grated cheese.
This was then used to fill a pastry case made from flour, butter and water, which was baked in the oven.
This ancient recipe is still used today to prepare this speciality, and the municipality of Farini has been granted recognition of the Denominazione Comunale.
Luckily for all gourmets, today the potato cake can be enjoyed all year long in the area of Farini as it is sold in food shops and prepared in all the restaurants and agriturismi of the district.
It is excellent eaten alone when still slightly warm, as a starter or a snack. If you eat it with a slice of PDO salame of Piacenza, you will forget all your troubles!
The Festa of the Potato Cake is held every year in Farini and is the ideal time to taste this dish in its authentic setting, immersed in the splendid natural scenery of the upper Nure valley.