Italian cuisine boasts an array of delightful desserts that make Christmas celebrations extra special. Northern Italy offers a treasure trove of Christmas desserts that reflect its rich culinary traditions and regional diversity. Here are some favorite Christmas dessert recipes from Northern Italy:
1. Panettone
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
½ cup butter, softened
4 eggs
1 cup milk, warm
1 packet dry yeast
1 cup candied fruits and raisins
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
Instructions:
Dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tbsp sugar; let it activate.
Combine flour, sugar, eggs, butter, zest, and vanilla. Add the yeast mixture. Knead until smooth.
Fold in candied fruits and raisins. Let the dough rise for 2-3 hours.
Place in a panettone mold and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes.
2. Pandoro
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup butter, softened
3 eggs + 2 yolks
1 packet dry yeast
½ cup milk, warm
1 tsp vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Activate yeast in warm milk with 1 tbsp sugar.
Mix flour, sugar, eggs, yolks, butter, and vanilla. Add yeast mixture and knead until soft.
Let it rise for 3 hours. Shape into a star mold and let rise again for 1 hour.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
3. Torrone
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1 cup honey
2 egg whites
2 cups toasted almonds
1 tsp vanilla extract
Wafer paper (optional)
Instructions:
Heat honey and sugar in a saucepan until caramelized.
Whisk egg whites until stiff and fold them into the hot mixture.
Stir in almonds and vanilla. Spread onto a tray lined with wafer paper.
Let it set for 4-6 hours, then cut into pieces.
4. Panforte
Ingredients:
1 cup almonds, toasted
1 cup hazelnuts, toasted
1 cup dried figs, chopped
½ cup honey
½ cup sugar
½ cup flour
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Heat honey and sugar until dissolved. Mix nuts, figs, flour, and spices in a bowl.
Add the honey mixture and combine. Press into a greased pan.
Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar when cooled.
5. Strudel di Mele
Ingredients:
1 sheet puff pastry
3 apples, peeled and sliced
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup raisins
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp breadcrumbs
1 tbsp butter, melted
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Toss apples with sugar, raisins, and cinnamon.
Roll out puff pastry, sprinkle breadcrumbs, and spread the apple mixture.
Roll up the pastry, seal the edges, and brush with butter.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar.
6. Zelten
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
½ cup butter, melted
3 eggs
1 cup dried fruits (figs, raisins)
1 cup nuts (walnuts, almonds)
Zest of 1 orange
1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
Combine flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and zest into a dough. Fold in fruits, nuts, and cinnamon.
Press into a greased baking pan. Decorate with whole almonds.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.
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