Panforte: The Original "Energy Bar"
I love learning about tasty holiday traditions around the world and indulge in as many of them as possible, one of which is panforte, a dense fruit and nut loaf that could very well be considered the Italian version of fruitcake.
Panforte is made of sugar, honey, candied fruit, nuts, and spices and dates back to 13th century Siena. There are many stories surrounding its origin, but it seems safe to say that this chewy, "strong bread", which keeps forever, was first made by apothecarists and nuns and possibly used like a modern day "energy bar" to fortify the Crusaders.
Today panforte is particularly popular around Christmas when you'll find not one, not two, but three versions from which to choose: the Margherita is the sweetest, sprinkled with confectioner's sugar; the Cioccolato is made with chocolate and dusted with cocoa powder; and the Nero is more bitter in flavor, made with chocolate and bitter almonds.
Do you have a tasty holiday tradition that dates back to another time or place? Share it with us.
--Tracy Schneider
Marco on December 17, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Love the title :)
No German Christmas is complete without "Lebkuchen", somewhat resembling gingerbread and dating back to the 13th century. We got a big care-package from Germany, but Amazon has them as well, see http://bit.ly/7TMs17
Of course, also don't forget the 'official' Italian Christmas bread "Panettone". By the way, try to toast your slice of Panettone!