Chiacchierre: Italian carnival fritters Chiacchiere have their roots in a very ancient history, dating back to Roman times, when during the Saturnalia, fried sweets made of flour and honey were prepared to celebrate the festival. Over the centuries, this tradition has evolved and adapted to local customs, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of Italian Carnival. Their importance in our gastronomic culture is also highlighted by Pellegrino Artusi, who, in his famous S

Fugassa d’la Befana  is a traditional Piedmontese Epiphany cake, deeply rooted in rural culture and in the rituals marking the passage from the old year to the new. The term fugassa  derives from the Latin focacia  and refers to a simple, soft and fragrant preparation, halfway between sweet bread and cake, made with humble yet symbolic ingredients. Originally prepared in rural households at the beginning of January, it was meant as a wish for abundance, prosperity and fertili

Apple Strudel from Trentino Apple strudel is a traditional dessert with roots in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, but it found its most authentic and beloved version in the Trentino region. Likely brought to Italy by chefs from the Austrian courts, the dessert became part of the local culture thanks to the availability of local apples, such as Renette, and the skill of Trentino families in preparing a thin, fragrant pastry. The Trentino recipe stands out for its rich, arom

Soft and quick Panettone: Step-by-Step recipe Panettone is one of the most beloved symbols of Italian tradition. Born in Milan, it has become the undisputed star of festive tables worldwide. Its history traces back to the old Lombard bakeries, where a simple mixture of flour, butter, and eggs transformed into a tall, aromatic cake, rich in candied fruits. Its unmistakable scent of citrus, vanilla, and melted butter fills the house with warmth, instantly evoking the authentic

Neapolitan Mostaccioli: the traditional recipe Mostaccioli have ancient roots: the name comes from the Latin mustaceum  (or “mustaceus”), a sweet cake made with flour and grape must, baked on bay leaves. In ancient Rome, these cakes were offered to guests as a sign of hospitality and good wishes, often as a farewell gift. Over time, the must was replaced by honey and spices, giving rise to the spiced cookie we know today. In Naples and southern Italy, mostaccioli have become

Pisto: the Italian spice mix for traditional christmas sweets Pisto  is an ancient spice blend typical of southern Italy, particularly Campania, that has been enriching traditional holiday sweets for centuries. Its origins date back to the Roman era, when cinnamon, cloves, pepper, and other Eastern spices were used to flavor sweet preparations, and it further developed in the Middle Ages thanks to Arab influence in southern port cities such as Naples, Amalfi, and Palermo. Her

Cuccìa of Saint Lucia Cuccìa is one of the most representative Sicilian desserts linked to the feast of Saint Lucy, celebrated every year on December 13th. Its origins date back to the 17th century, when Palermo was struck by a severe famine that pushed the population to the brink of starvation. According to tradition, on the day dedicated to the Saint from Syracuse, a ship loaded with grain appeared in the harbor — considered a miraculous gift attributed to Saint Lucy’s prot

Neapolitan Roccocò: The traditional recipe Neapolitan Roccocò are a symbol of Christmas in Naples, an ancient cookie that carries centuries of history and tradition.This specialty dates back to the 18th century, when it was created by the nuns of the Real Convent of Maddalena, in the heart of Naples. At that time, monasteries often prepared sweets for noble families and the local population during the festive season. It was in this context that the distinctive ring-shaped coo