Panettone

During Christmas time in Milan, the bakeries, with their elaborate displays of panettone, outshine department store windows. This rich, sweet bread's true origin is shrouded in mystery, but fascinating legends have filled the gap.

According to historical records, the term 'panettone' comes from 'panetto', meaning small loaf of bread, with the augmentative suffix '-one' transforming it to 'big small  bread'. The earliest mention of panettone dates back to the 16^th century, found in a document from one of the oldest Italian university. 

There are different stories about the origin of panettone. One of the most famous dates back to 1495, when a young cook named Toni saved a Christmas banquet by quickly making a replacement dessert using sourdough, flour, eggs, and sugar, resulting in a rich brioche bread with raisins and candied fruit. The Duke of Milan adored it so much that it became known as "Pane di Toni" (Toni's bread).

Another story involves Ughetto degli Atellani, a wealthy man who fell in love with a poor baker's daughter, Adalgisa. To win her hand, he disguised himself and created a sweet bread with candied fruit and raisins that made the bakery famous, earning him the right to marry her.

Regardless of which tale is true, panettone has become an iconic Italian dessert, cherished worldwide. Its cultural significance has even led to efforts to have it recognized as a cultural artifact by UNESCO. Panettone's legacy is celebrated through a variety of recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved bread