The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2022 - Issue 32

bitegifts T raditionally, Christmas in Italy begins on 8 Decem- ber with the feast of the Immaculate Conception and Christmas tree decorations. The term ‘Natale’ derives from the Latin natalis, meaning ‘of one’s birth’ but is also an Italian boy’s or girl’s name, which changes its es- sence to ‘Birthday of the Lord’. It is also used during the festive season as buon Natale (Merry Christmas) and felice Natale (Happy Christmas). Since the Italian festivities are steep in folklore and food, it is a well-prepared activity. In the UK, we exchange presents on Christmas Day, but the Italians do not have a specific day. Some give gifts on Christmas Eve, while others prefer to share their holiday spirit in the two weeks before Christmas. Italians celebrate this given day with a large feast known as La Vigilia di Natale (Christmas Eve), which, traditionally, is meat-free. According to Catholic tradition, the meal is to purify your body before a religious celebration, so seafood is consumed instead of meat. Each region serves varied dishes, but typically you will have marinated anchovies or tuna, codfish served with po- tatoes, mussels in broth, clams with pasta and lots of risot- to. On Christmas Day, the family have lunch in the early afternoon with varied cured meats and cheeses as antipas- ti, followed by typical dishes like frittata and baked pasta al forno. On this day, the Italians indulge in meat such as pork, beef or lamb served with green beans, carrots, roast- ed potatoes and parsnips. Dessert typically includes sweet panettone with candied fruit and raisins or a pandoro shaped like a frustum with an eight-pointed star section. In southern Italy, they often have mostaccioli, delicious spiced nut pastries. Natives and visitors may encounter zampogna bagpipe players dressed as shepherds who play Christmas carols from house to house. This old tradition dating before the Italian unifica- tion in 1861, was for shepherds to collect donations during the Christmas season. In 1991, the late Antonio and Priscilla Carluccio shared the authentic taste of Italy after opening their first deli in Neal Street, London. For over 20 years, Carluccio’s has provided authentic products with impeccably sourced ingredients from artisan suppliers. The beautifully packaged goods fea- ture vibrant, bold, geometric designs inspired by the work of the great Italian architect Gio Ponti and 1960s intercon- necting patterns reflecting Christmas as a time to connect with friends and family. Panettone is originally from Milan and is recognisable by its tall, domed shape. It is the star of Christmas in Italy and at Carluccio’s. Indulge yourself in the Italian deli’s pan- ettone selection, including For the Love of Lemons with Panettone al Limoncello, Lemon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Limoncello Chocolates and two Limoncello di Sorrento IGP. The Malfy Gin Collezione consists of Panettone con Crema al Malfy Gin all’Arancia Rossa, Malfy Blood Orange Gin, Chopping Board and two Balloon Glasses. Coffee lovers will love the Caffe Amore Grande hamper with signature Panettone al Cappuccino infused with cof- fee, coffee-flavoured dark pieces and topped with white chocolate and cocoa nib icing. The limited edition Siena Blend Espresso evokes notes of citrus, almonds and sweets; while Amaretti al Cappuccino biscuits have a subtle cof- fee flavour complimenting the classic Amaretti almonds. Made in Piedmont, Tartufi al Cappuccino truffle treats combine milk chocolate, coffee and roughly ground hazel- nuts. Italian Christmas wouldn’t be the same without treats like those in the luxury La Grande Collezione di Natale, filled with Carluccio’s classics and new delicious goodies. In this wicker hamper, you will find panettone fromMilan, an im- pressive jar of Baci di Dama from Piedmont, Panforte from Siena, Cantucci of Tuscany and Lunette, and fig goodies from Calabria. Dessert consists of expertly made pralines from Turin, a mixed box of truffles from Piedmont, and many more. Stars of Carluccio’s contain extensive iconic items such as Penne Regine Pasta, Wild Boar Ragu, Amaretti Tradizion- ale Biscuits, Clam & Tomato Sauce, Spicy Salami Spread, and Spaghetti al Nero Sepia. It also has Milk & Hazelnut Chocolates, Milano Espresso Ground Coffee, Dark Choc- olate & Hazelnut Truffles, Lemon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Hazelnut Butter Biscuits with Dark Chocolate Filling and Intense &Thick Balsamic Vinegar to use in unique recipes. Settle down and relax with The Italian Indulgence hamper containing Ferrari Maximum Brut, a sparkling wine made in the champagne method. Intense &Thick Balsamic Vine- gar, Wild Boar Ragu, Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Truffles, Gianduiotti Selezione Chocolates, Cherry Liqueur Choco- lates and Siena Espresso complete the experience. II Mas- simo (The Maximum) is packed with classic sweet treats and biscuits, panettone Milano, Prosecco and Siena Blend Espresso. Panettone & Prosecco Gift Hampers combine sweet bread with bubbly prosecco. These include the Gluten Free with Fiabesco Prosecco Treviso Extra Dry DOC, a lively, crisp sparkling wine with a delicate lemony character and an ar- omatic dry, refreshing finish. It is paired with Panettone Senza Glutine made with rice flour sourdough, candied or- ange peel and raisins, respecting the traditional Milanese methods of panettone production. Fiabesco Prosecco Treviso Extra Dry DOC is also present in the Malfy Gin Cream, al Cappuccino, al Limoncello, Ci- occolato and Tradizionale Panettone & Prosecco gift sets. Panettone con Cream al Malfy Gin all’Arancia Rossa has a delicious golden colour piped from the top with an unc- tuous custard cream filling churned together with Malfy Blood Orange Gin. Panettone al Cappuccino made with a coffee-infused dough is studded with coffee dark chocolate pieces, white chocolate icing and cocoa nibs. Panettone al Limoncello is coated with white chocolate, seeded with candied lemon peel and completed with a zesty Limoncello filling. You will find milk and dark choc- olate pieces, and an iced hazelnut glaze in the Panettone al Cioccolato. At the same time, Panettone Tradizionale con-

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