How to Make Libum

Libum is a very ancient Roman version of something like a cheesecake. A recipe is given in Cato's "De Agri Cultura" as an offering to the gods. You can also offer it to your Saturnalia guests.

Ingredients

1 cup (150g) feta cheese, drained, crumbled, and packed into the measuring cup
1/2 cup (65g) unbleached, all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
6 bay leaves
2 tablespoons (45g) honey

Steps

1
Put the cheese into a medium size mixing bowl.
2
Mash well with the fingers until it becomes a smooth, lump free paste.

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3
Add the flour and mix well with the fingers.
4
Add the beaten egg and mix well. The dough will be rather sticky.
5
Divide the dough into two equal parts, then form two round, flat, ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) thick loaves.
6
Lay each on three bay leaves set on a greased baking sheet.
7
Bake in a preheated 400ºF/200ºC oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until cooked through.
8
Remove the loaves from the oven, spread the tops with the honey, and let cool.
9
Remove the bay leaves before serving.
10
Finished.

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Community Q&A

Question

Hi! I tried libum at a convention, and the man hosting the colloquia made the libum on a pancake griddle, but said they could also be baked. Can this recipe be cooked the same way?

Susan Butler

Community Answer

Yes, libum can be cooked on a pancake griddle, although you wouldn't achieve the same finish as you would if you baked it.
Question

Can the feta cheese be replaced with ricotta?

Community Answer

Yes, that would be fine. They have a similar consistency and flavor.
Question

Should I refrigerate it?

Susan Butler

Community Answer

Yes. As the cake contains cheese and eggs, it would keep best if kept refrigerated.