As the holiday season draws near, kitchens across Italy begin to hum with the traditions that make this time of year so special. For many, no celebration is complete without Panettone, a delicacy that has sparked debates for generations: is it a cake or a bread? This article delves into the heart of Panettone’s duality, exploring its origins, its meticulous craftsmanship, and its journey beyond Italian borders.
Holiday bread or cake?
Panettone holds a unique place in Italian culture, celebrated for its delicate balance of characteristics that straddle both bread and cake. Its dome-shaped appearance and leavened structure are reminiscent of traditional bread, crafted with a slow fermentation process that gives it a tender, fluffy crumb. Yet, its luxurious ingredients, rich butter, eggs, sugar, and candied fruits, align it more closely with a dessert, offering a sweetness and depth of flavor that rivals the finest cakes. This duality is further enhanced by its versatility: it can be sliced and enjoyed with coffee as a morning treat, paired with wines or liquors as an elegant dessert, or even transformed into creative recipes like trifle or French toast. Whatever side of the debate you land on, one thing is certain: Panettone is a quintessential symbol of Italian Christmas traditions, bringing people together in celebration.
From Milan to the world: the origins of panettone
Panettone’s story begins in Milan, where it first emerged during the Renaissance. Legend has it that Panettone was created by chance when a kitchen assistant, Toni, salvaged a failed dessert by adding butter, sugar, and dried fruits. The result was so delicious that it was dubbed “Pan di Toni,” or Toni’s bread, which evolved into the Panettone we know today.
Over time, Panettone has transcended its Milanese roots to gain international acclaim. In Brazil, for example, the love for Panettone extends beyond the holidays. Here this fluffy cake is often filled with tropical fruits and is enjoyed all year-round, simply paired with coffee.
Casa Rinaldi celebrates this global love for Panettone with a range of premium options that cater to every taste. From the classic version to indulgent varieties like tiramisu, pistachio, limoncello, and salted caramel, there’s a Panettone for every palate. Check out our full selection of stuffed Panettone and find your holiday centerpiece.
Fun facts about Panettone and Italian Christmas traditions
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A towering success: the world’s largest Panettone weighs an incredible 332.2 kilograms and holds a Guinness World Record. Created in Milan by maître chocolatier Davide Comaschi and a team of six pastry chefs, this colossal treat stood 1.5 meters tall and required 100 hours of work. The recipe included nearly 50 kilograms of flour, 38 kilograms of butter, 25 kilograms of sugar, and an incredible 18,000 egg yolks.
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A medicine against the cold: in Milan, there’s an age-old custom of setting aside a piece of Panettone from Christmas to be eaten on February 3rd, the feast of San Biagio. Consuming this preserved slice on an empty stomach was thought to shield against colds and sore throats during the winter months.
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A midnight treat: In some Italian households, Panettone is enjoyed after Midnight Mass, paired with a glass of sparkling wine like Prosecco or Asti Spumante.
Make Panettone Part of Your Holiday
Whether you savor Panettone as a sweet end to your Christmas feast or as a thoughtful gift for loved ones, it remains an enduring symbol of joy and celebration. At Casa Rinaldi, we believe in honoring tradition while embracing creativity. Our selection of Panettone not only stays true to its Milanese roots but also adds a modern twist with flavors that surprise and delight.