Christmas is a time of year that is just bursting at the seams with traditions, and many of them, especially in Calabria, include food. During the Christmas season, Italian kitchens work overtime to prepare delicious Christmas sweets in abundance.
It is next to impossible to experience Christmas in Calabria without seeing or eating these three Christmas treats. They are just one of the countless reasons we love Christmas in Calabria! Continue reading to discover some Calabrian wintertime traditions, and remember, if you want to see Calabria for yourself, there’s no better way than by joining us on a Small Group Tour in Southern Italy.
Pignolata
In most regions of Calabria, this Christmas dessert is called Pignolata or Scalilli. However, it can also be found in other areas of Southern Italy under different names; for instance, it’s referred to as Struffoli in Naples and Cicerchiata in Abruzzo. The origins of this delightful treat date back to the period of Magna Graecia. It consists of small, marble-sized balls of deep-fried dough that are dipped in honey and piled into a pyramid shape, then sprinkled with multi-colored candied sprinkles. It looks so beautiful that you might hesitate to eat it—almost!
Cullurialli
In Calabria, this traditional Christmas treat is known by various names depending on the region: Cullurialli, Cuddruriaddri, and Crespelle. As Christmas approaches, local bakeries begin offering this delicacy, typically on Friday evenings. If you want to enjoy them, it’s important to get there early, as they tend to sell out quickly. It’s also common to make these treats on the Feast of the Immacolata and share them with friends and family.
The treat is made from a simple dough of potatoes and flour, shaped into doughnut forms, and then fried. There are three main variations of preparation: plain, with anchovies, or, for those with a sweeter preference, sprinkled with sugar.
Turdilli
Turdilli have been prepared for generations, and as you can imagine, many versions of this recipe exist. It’s a challenge to find a Calabrian household that doesn’t have these treats readily available for guests. They resemble large doughnut holes that are fried and then garnished with honey or sugar. They are best served with liquor or coffee. One thing is certain: it will be hard to have just one!
What Christmas treats do you enjoy during the Christmas season? Have you ever tried one of these Calabrian sweets?
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Image Credits: Steve-081, lupo silano 1914, dplastino
