Italians love to eat. Every Italian grandmother knows that food is the language of love. Anyone who has ever been around an Italian grandmother knows what I mean. I come from a very traditional Italian family. Although many young Italians work very hard all year long to stay fit and trim, most find their workout and healthy eating routines take a hit during the holidays. The Christmas season begins right after Thanksgiving with the start of the cookie baking season. After the Christmas Eve meal of 7 Fish, and the Christmas Day meal of Lasagna, Ham and every imaginable side dish…. Dessert is served. This is the point in the meal where everyone claims to be too full to partake, but as soon as the cookie and pastry tray is set out…the delectable treats begin to disappear.
One very unique cookie is the Pizzele. Pizzeles are an Italian wafer cookie. The name stems from the Italian word “pizza” which translates to round and flat. Pizzeles can be eaten flat or folded into a cone and filled with ice cream, nutella, fruit, or other sweets. Sprinkle it with powdered sugar for a tasty treat. Some old time Italians simply eat them “hot off the grill.” Be sure to lightly grease the pizzele maker and don’t peek until the process is complete!
Another favorite dessert is Torrone. Torrone is a soft and chewy Italian nougat made with honey, sugar, egg, and toasted almonds. It is best served in slices or chunks. Torrone originated in Cremona, Italy, but is now a traditional dessert for all Mediterranean countries. Â Â
Biscotti are a double-baked cookie that originated in Prato, Italy. Biscotti are most enjoyed dipped in coffee or other hot beverages. The traditional biscotti contain almond, hazelnuts, and pistachio, and can also be dipped in chocolate. There are also many variations to the original biscotti recipes including a chocolate chip biscotti that is “to die for.”
Once everyone decides that dessert IS a good idea, the heavy duty treats take center stage. Tiramisu is a coffee-flavored Italian sponge cake. It is made of savoirardi (more commonly known as lady finger biscuits), dipped in espresso or rum, layered with whipped cream and mascarpone, and lastly topped with cocoa.
The term “tiramisu” translates directly to “pick me up,” which is why it is eaten as a dessert to help with digestion and fight the familiar “carbo-crash” after a large meal. The origin of it is unknown and widely debated, but is suspected to be from either Treviso or Venice.Â
Last but not least is the Sicilian Cannoli. Cannolis are a traditional Italian dessert that originated from Sicily, Italy. The shell is made out of fried pastry dough and is filled with sweet ricotta cheese, sprinkled with chocolate chips. You can also get creative by dipping the cannoli shell in hot chocolate sauce, or filling them with alternatives to ricotta cheese, such as vanilla or chocolate custard, and even nutella.
Whichever you choose to serve, don’t forget to offer a nice espresso, cappuccino or latte. There are so many wonderful machines out there today, there are no excuses. Everyone can make a great Italian coffee treat. When it comes to strong, caffeinated Italian coffees, less is more. Break out those tiny cups. And remember, a shot of Sambuca will add the finishing touch. Now that’s Italian! Â
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