Pasta alfredo, spaghetti, and lasagna are some of the first things that come to mind when one thinks of Italian dishes. However, food from Italy isn’t simply comprised of these popular entrees. Like most of the world, the people of this country have a sweet tooth as well. So, without further ado, here are some desserts that you might want to try out if you happen to be visiting.
• Pizzelle. Often eaten as a traditional Christmas treat, these wafer thin cookies are made using basic ingredients to form a batter. Butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and flavoring agents such as lemon zests are typically included in these recipes. Once blended, the mixture is then placed on a specialized device resembling a waffle iron to press it into shape. These flat, rounded cookies often have a snowflake design stamped on them. Sometimes the pizzelles are rolled around rods to create shells for cannoli, another popular Italian dessert.
Image Source: Luca Contl via Flickr and CC 2.0
• Zuppa Inglese. This dessert is an Italian version of English trifle. It typically contains alternating layers of egg custard and sponge cake that has been soaked in an alcoholic beverage of some sort. Traditionally, the libation of choice was a pungent, bright red Italian liquor called Alchermes. However, this beverage has experienced a recent decrease in popularity because customers have since found out that the color comes from the bugs used in its’ creation. Modern recipes may instead use rum. In some Zuppa Inglese recipes, ladyfingers or pound cake may be substituted in place of the sponge cake. Chocolate, whipped cream, and various spices may also be added in. The confection is very popular for children’s birthday parties and other festive gatherings.
• Panforte. This Italian style fruitcake dates back to at least the Middle Ages. Soldiers who were heading off to fight in the Holy Land may have also carried this food with them as it was thought to be essential for helping troops survive the sieges that characterized medieval warfare. Panforte typically contains a mix of sugar, honey, nuts, fruits, spices, and flour. This treat is often dusted with powder sugar but commercially prepared version may instead be wrapped in rice paper.
Sources: Wikipedia; All Recipes; Epicurious.com
