Did you mean ricotta? This isn't tried & true but sounds similar to what you describe. Check it out. You could use almonds instead of the pistachios to put on the outside of the cake.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cassata

:-0 Naturally, I meant ricotta. See what happens when one tries to hurry. Sorry about my poor spelling. Well maybe I should just say that this was a scheme to get people to open the post in order to try to find out what I'm talking about :-)

Bob,
I remember having that type of cake and always loved it. However, it's more than 20 yrs since I've had it. There doesn't seem to be a bakery around here anymore that makes it. Possible the bakeries down at Arthur Ave would have it.

As I recall the 2 layers one w/vanilla & the other w/chocolate pastry cream, sponge cake moisten w/the rum syrup. Covered w/whipped creamed & almond slivers on the sides. I could go for slice of that about now!

Lucy

Bob,
I did a search & came up with this "Italian Rum Cake" recipe, sounds exactly like I had remembered it. I have to try it myself.

Thanks for bringing up the subject, I had completely forgotten about it.

Lucy

Here is a link that might be useful: Italian Rum Cake