Greetings!
Wishing you every happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year. We have many fabulous new trips to tell you about for 2010! The world awaits you. In the meantime - enjoy your Panettone . . .
Traditional Italian Christmas Cake - Panettone
A 15th century legend from Milan credits the invention to the nobleman falconer Ughetto Atellani, who fell in love with Adalgisa, the daughter of a poor baker named Toni. To win her over, the nobleman disguised himself as a baker and invented a rich bread to which he added flour and yeast, butter, eggs, dried raisins and candied lemon and orange peel.
The duke of Milan, Ludovico il Moro Sforza (1452-1508), agreed to the marriage, which was held in the presence of Leonardo da Vinci, and encouraged the launch of the new cake-like bread: Pan de Toni (or Toni's bread).
Be sure to save a quarter of the cake to share on February 3rd - San Biagio or Saint Blaise's Day (Saint of the Throat) to honor the end of the coldest period of winter and celebrate peace and prosperity in the year ahead.
Here are some other fun ways to enjoy your Panettone:
Use as the best base in Bread Pudding.
Use instead of Lady Fingers in Tiramisu
Make (dare I say) French Toast with it!
Or just fry lightly in butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
You should be able to find Panettone this time of year in a store near you!
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Our Gift to You! Write to receive a lovely Panettone Recipe Book from the artisan Italian bakers of "Loison" written in both Italian and English. This book is full of wonderful ideas with gorgeous photos on how to enjoy this Christmas treat! Please email me gina@villavita.net - First come first served - while supplies last!
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Here are a few links for some great gifts:
Loison - Pasticceri in Italy since 1938
Italy Shoppe - AZ Photographer shares his passion for Italy with beautiful gift offers
My Walit - Fun and Fine Italian Leather Goods
All the best to you and your family during the holidays and throughout the year!
Gina Ruggiero
Villa Vita International 
