When it comes to Italian cuisine, it is pizza and pasta that spring to mind for most people. However, Italy boasts some of the most delicious desserts in the world. Although there are many variations on these sweets and puddings, there is nothing quite like the desserts that Mamma makes.
1. Gelato
Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream. It is a common misbelief that ice cream originates in Italy. However, this is not true; there are many variations of this dessert from across the globe that are recorded much earlier than the Italians began to produce gelato. Nonetheless, it is still one of the most well-known Italian desserts and the Italians can lay claim to expanding the flavors of ice cream available by adding their own ingredients to this dessert. Some people say that homemade ice cream is much superior to shop bought versions.
2. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is one of the most well-known desserts to come out of Italy. Restaurants across the world serve their own variation of this dish by refining the presentation and adding their own special ingredients. Traditionally, a true Italian tiramisu contains ladyfingers dipped in coffee and then layered with mascarpone cheese and an egg and sugar mix, like custard.
3. Zabaglione
Also known as zabaione, this dessert is created using eggs, sugar, and sweet white wine. The gooey, sweet and alcohol flavored dessert is some people’s idea of heaven on Earth. This is true comfort food for Hardcore Italians.
4. Biscotti
These traditional Italian biscuits originate from the city of Prato. They are oblong shaped and flavored with almonds. The texture is dry and crunchy, so they are traditionally served with a drink for dipping, such as Vin Santo. There are many variations to these biscuits, with the addition of extra ingredients, such as dark chocolate or cherries.
5. Panna Cotta
Although it is often thought of as one of the most traditional Italian desserts, there is quite a lot of controversy surrounding this dish. It isn’t listed in any Italian cookbooks under the name ‘panna cotta’ until the 1960s. However, it is often spoken of as a dessert originating from the region of Piedmont much earlier than this. Some people claim it was invented by a Hungarian woman in the early 1900s in Langhe. Others argue that it originates from another dish called’ latte inglese’, or ‘English milk’. It is a set dessert made from cream, sugar, and gelatin. Other flavors, such as vanilla, are sometimes added and it is often served with berries or liqueurs.
6. Panettone
Panettone is a type of sweet bread that originates from Milan in the early twentieth century and its name literally translates as ‘small loaf cake’. It is often associated with Christmas as it is a traditional dessert that Italian Mammas make during the festive season.
7. Zeppole
In some regions of Italy, this dessert is called
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Main photo: Tiramisu [Unsplash]
