photo courtesy www.theidearoom.net
As soon as the end of November rolls around, I find myself out shopping for Advent calendars. I've been a sucker for the kind with the little doors you open up, the ones with piece of chocolate behind each door. There was never a year my two girls didn't receive one of those on December 1. I love starting the holiday season in this way!
This year, I've decided to create my own Advent calendar here on the blog. Each day leading up to Christmas I will post something I enjoy about Christmas in Italy. It will be a bit like opening one of those doors with me each day.
Behind door Number One (Uno) - Panettone
When I spot Panettone in the grocery stores and bakeries around town, I know it's the beginning of the holiday season. Panettone, served all over Italy, is a traditional Christmas sweet treat. It's a cross between a bread and a cake, and is sold with just raisins in it, or with raisins and candied fruits. My favorite is with the candied fruits, but I'm not fussy, I'll take it either way. I particularly like using Panettone for making french toast. Yummm! Delicious.
Nowadays, you can find Panettone sold in the United States too. If you have never tasted Panettone, I recommend you purchase one this holiday season, and enjoy yours along with me!
And if you really feel like getting in touch with your Italian mama side, here's a link to Chef Mario Batali's panettone recipe
Buon Natale!
