PANETTONE: ITALIAN CHRISTMAS BREAD

Panettone is tradition, surmised as the star of the yuletide banquet. This popular bread is said to have originated in Milan and is considered one of the proud identities of this region. It is a traditional symbol that represents Italian culture. Panettone is a cross between a cake and bread, it is exuberantly more than any other baked good. In Milanese dialect, it is also referred as “paneton”. Its catchy name is derived from “panetto” which is an Italian term for small loaf bread. The Italian suffix “-one” signifies its “large” size. Its distinctive cupola form has developed through time. Its tall, dome-shaped, appearance was practically modernized by Angelo Motta. He was among the earliest epicures who have given much attention to this superbly tasty sweet cake. This veritable symbol of Italy’s culinary prominence has proven its worth through the depths of history.

There are two basic types of panettone—the dry one that you can get in the supermarket and the one you can avail in an authentic Italian pastry shop. The latter is a rich and soft sweet bread usually made with sultanas, tasty nuts, citrus peelings and other candied fruits.

During the Roman Empire, ancient Romans made use of a type of bread quite similar to that of a
panettone. They sweetened leavened bread and added it with honey. Early appearances of panettone were dated back during these times. 16th century arts and early recipe books fashion the fanciness of panettone even before its revolutionized form. One of the most evident values of panettone is its significant association with Christmas and New Year. The first ever recorded connection of this tasty bread to Christmas in Italy was written by Pietro Verri. He even labeled panettone as “Pane di Tono” which means luxury bread. Moreover, it was said to be a somewhat fascinating history on how panettone has become so incredibly popular. There have been many stories on how panettone came to be. It is generally a fruit of labor of the evolution of the breads relevant to Italian history. It has undeniably intertwined its existence to serve the purpose of Italy’s manifestation of its rich culture. From religious feasts to the Yuletide seasons, panettone is surely the star of every meal. Panettone has grown beautifully to what it has truly become now. It is quite palpable in a lot of regional variations of this much loved bread. You can essentially find a number of panettone recipes in much of Italy to cater the preference of its folks as well as the demands of the changing times.

Fortunately, this delicious delight can actually be enjoyed and made at the very comforts of your
kitchen. You can make your own panettone recipe with a variety of additional ingredients for a fun-filled experience to your own recipe of panettone. At the same time, you can save economically since left over panettones are as useful and delectable as a freshly-baked one. Bread pudding with lush chocolate drizzled on top is only one of many options.