Christmas 'Round the World
Italian Traditions - Buon Natale!
Christmas in Italy
European Christmas in Italy
Christmas in Italy
- A strict fast is observed 24 hours before Christmas after which a meal with many dishes (but no meat) is served. The traditional Christmas dinner, Cenone, is made up of spaghetti and anchovies, an assortment of fish, fresh broccoli, tossed salad, fruits, and sweets.
- The Urn of Fate, an old Italian tradition, is a large ornamental bowl that holds wrapped gifts for members of the family. When the family gets together, each member takes his turn at drawing a gift from the urn until all the presents are distributed.
- Children in Italy hang up their stockings on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6. They celebrate the visit of the Three Kings to Bethlehem. Instead of Santa Claus, children are expecting Befana. She is a witch-like character who rides around on a broom.
Traditional Italian Christmas Goodies
Pizzelles
Links to recipes-
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mario-batali/ginas-pizzelles-recipe/index.html
http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2009/06/08/pizzelle-italian-waffle-cookies/
Panettone
Links to recipes-
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mario-batali/panettone-recipe/index.html
http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/panettone_italian_christmas_cake/
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/panettone-italian-christmas-bread-10000000396255/
Struffoli
Struffoli is a Neapolitan dish made of deep fried balls of dough about the size of marbles. Crunchy on the outside and light inside, struffoli are mixed with honey and other sweet ingredients.
Links to recipes -
http://italianfood.about.com/od/tastysweettreats/r/blr0359.htmhttp://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/struffoli-recipe/index.html
http://abc.go.com/shows/the-chew/recipes/holiday-struffoli-mario-batali