Three sweet temptations from Bergamo: do you know their stories?

Sweet hills, picturesque villages, and a culinary tradition rich in flavors and stories: this is Bergamo.

Among its specialties, typical of the Lombardy region, a place of honor belongs to traditional sweets, true temptations for the palate. In this article, we will take you on a delicious journey to discover three icons of Bergamasque pastry: polenta e osei, torta Donizetti, and sweet casoncelli.

Let yourself be conquered by their beauty, taste, and the stories that surround them.

Polenta e osei: a sweet trompe-l'œil

Polenta e osei is a typical dessert from Bergamo that presents itself as a small masterpiece of pastry.

A soft sponge cake encloses a rum-flavored pastry cream, all decorated with ladyfingers to simulate polenta grains and sugar paste shaped like little birds.

The origins of this sweet are uncertain, but a legend says it was born in a convent in Bergamo: the nuns, to deceive the gluttony of the friars, invented a dessert that mimicked the appearance of polenta with birds, a forbidden dish during Lent.

The originality and charm of this sweet make it a perfect gift for lovers of tradition and good cuisine.
 

Torta Donizetti: a tribute to the great composer

The torta Donizetti is a dessert that originated in Bergamo in 1840 to celebrate the composer Gaetano Donizetti.

The cake is a triumph of flavor and beauty: a soft chocolate dough encases a heart of pastry cream and sour cherries. The surface is adorned with a chocolate glaze and a gold inscription that reads "Donizetti".

The torta Donizetti is a dessert with an intense and delicious taste, perfect for chocolate lovers. It represents the culture and tradition of Bergamo, a tribute to the great composer who brought glory to the city.
 

Sweet casoncelli: a touch of originality

The sweet casoncelli are a typical dessert from Val Brembana, a valley in the province of Bergamo.

They are a shortcrust pastry ravioli stuffed with ricotta, honey, nuts, and raisins.

Sweet casoncelli are usually served with an herbal liqueur or a chocolate sauce.

The origins of sweet casoncelli are ancient and are rooted in peasant tradition.

Their shape resembles that of savory casoncelli, a typical dish of Bergamasque cuisine.

Sweet casoncelli are a dessert with a delicate and original flavor, perfect for those who love the authentic flavors of tradition.
 

A delicious journey to discover Bergamo

The sweet traditions of Bergamo are a true treasure to discover.

Polenta e osei, torta Donizetti, and sweet casoncelli are just a few examples of the gastronomic richness of this city.

If you have the opportunity to visit Bergamo, do not miss the chance to taste these typical sweets and immerse yourself in the culture and tradition of this beautiful city.

These sweets are a delicious journey to discover a land rich in flavors and history. An invitation to let yourself be captivated by the sweetness of life.

S&M