Italian Christmas: sweet traditions

L&' unmistakable scent of freshly baked sweets fills L&' air, announcing l&' arrival of Christmas in Italy.

It's a time when families come together and share culinary traditions handed down from generation to generation.

We have previously talked about pandoro and almond and today we want to talk about other regional traditions.

Panettone and its legends

Panettone, originally from Northern Italy, is a soft delight with the scents of citrus and candied fruit.

Its history is rooted in the 15th century in Milan.

It is said that the young Ulivo degli Atellani created this delicacy to conquer l&' the love of his beloved, the daughter of a baker.

Legend has it that the cook, in charge of Ludovico il Moro's Christmas banquet, forgot the dessert in the oven and burned it.

In the midst of desperation, a kitchen worker suggested using what was left in the pantry, giving rise to panettone.

Pandoro, the dessert of the stars

Pandoro, on the other hand, is a Veronese specialty, a symbol of the festivities.

Its star shape and icing sugar cover recall the magic of starry Christmas nights.

In 1884, Domenico Melegatti, founder of &' Veronese confectionery industry, introduced pandoro.

His original recipe, which modified that of a traditional dessert, levà, was so successful that no imitator could replicate it.

Today, pandoro is one of the most popular Italian Christmas desserts and can be enjoyed in various versions, such as filled with custard or covered with chocolate.

The regional delights of central Italy

In Tuscany, panforte is l&' the undisputed protagonist: a rich and full-bodied dessert, enriched with spices, nuts and dried fruit, with a story that has its roots in &' year 1000.

In Lazio, on the other hand, yellow bread, with its almonds and candied fruit, is an authentic golden jewel that cannot be missing on Christmas tables.

This delight originated in &' imperial era and was traditionally widespread during the celebration of the solstice d&' winter, symbolizing the return of the Sun.

The specialties of southern Italy

Southern Italy is famous for its unique Christmas culinary traditions.

In Campania, Rococo stands out with its irresistible combination of almonds, honey and rind d&' orange, but it's not l&' the only dessert of the holidays: zeppole and mostaccioli also play' they play a central role in Christmas celebrations.

In Salento, on the other hand, the cartoons, covered with honey and vincotto, are the typical holiday desserts.

Their shape, in the Christian tradition, represents l&' aureole or the bands with which the baby Jesus was wrapped.