Christmas time is always bringing a lot of traditional cakes and cookies especially in our area!
San Gimignano is located in between of Florence and Siena therefore we are lucky to be able to appreciate both cooking traditions!
Some Christmas cakes have became popular all over Italy more than others , such like Panettone from Milano,Pandoro from Verona and Torrone from Cremona which are always present in an italian Christmas dinner, howerer, before,after or together with our coffee ,we must have Ricciarelli and Cavallucci!
Pandoro di Verona
The typical Christmas cake of Verona, was made the first time at the end nineteenth century however derives from “pan de oro”, a cake that since the Middle Ages the Veronese used to eat during the Christmas time.
Panettone di Milano
It was originally nothing but a big bread prepared in every house at Christmas, the master of the house then did carve a cross on it with a knife in a gesture of blessing.
The “Panettone” was then consumed by the family solemnly gathered for the traditional Christmas ceremony
Ricciarelli di Siena
The origins is related to marzipan, a sweet made of almonds and sugar, which spread to Siena in around 1400. At the beginnig Ricciarelli were only for rich families due to high price of sugar,then became one of most popular and delicious cakes!
Cavallucci
Around 1500 some biscuits appear under the name of “horses” to the flavor of nuts, candied fruit and anise. The name derives from the fact that these cookies were appreciated and eaten in large quantities by workers who change horses at post stations of travelers
Panforte e Mandorlato
The legend tells of a nun ,around 1200, who prepared a cake by mixing honey, candied fruit, almonds, spices and ginger lot to help people under siege which could be the ancestor of Panforte.There is also now a similar cake made in San Gimignano with almonds which name was given Mandorlato
Bagpipes in san Gimignano!
magical time of the year; from the charm of a presepio (Nativity scene) to the grand procession of the Magi in Florence, from the crowded town centers illuminated with Christmas lights to the quiet and silent country hillsides and medieval hamlets.
