Panettone is the most famous Italian Christmas sweet, but few people know its history and origins. The origins of this dessert are linked to many legends, but one, in particular, is the most well-documented. Panettone was invented in the fifteenth century at the court of Ludovico il Moro, Lord of Milan.

Panettone | Italian Christmas sweet | Milan

The origins of this delicacy are lost in time, and its birth is linked to numerous legends. The most famous legend says that panettone was born in the distant fifteenth century at the court of Ludovico il Moro, Lord of Milan.

On Christmas Eve, during the banquet, the official cook of the Sforza family inadvertently burned a cake. Toni, the kitchen scullion, used a loaf of yeast he had saved for Christmas to rectify the situation. He started working it by adding flour, eggs, raisins, candied fruit, and sugar, resulting in a particularly leavened and soft dough.

The Sforzas named it "pan di Toni" and it looked more like a loaf of bread than a dessert. Instead of using less noble flours for Christmas, wheat began to be used, and the dough was enriched with candied fruit and raisins.

Starred | Artisanal | Traditional or stuffed: it's time for panettone!

Panettone is a Christmas must-have, and the pastry chefs provide a wide selection of excellent options.

The choices are endless, ranging from traditional to stuffed. I'll name a few: apple and cinnamon, pears and gianduja. It will be a taste sensation.