Are you familiar with panettone, the famous Italian dessert that’s enjoyed around the globe during the holidays? It’s a brioche with delicate flavours and a slightly sweet profile, traditionally stuffed with raisins, candied fruit, and citrus zest. Here’s a brief history of the holiday treat and a few ready-to-serve versions that are time-saving and delicious!

Where and when did the panettone originate?

The legends are many concerning the origin of the panettone, this traditional cake which hails from Lombardy and Piedmont. The most famous legend recounts the tale of a young aristocrat (named Toni) who was smitten with the daughter of a Milan pastry chef in 1490. The young man, wanting to impress the father of his object of affection, passed himself off as a baker’s apprentice and invented a fine, dome-shaped bread sweetened with honey. He added candied fruit to the mix and began selling his creation to customers, who quickly fell in love with the cake, nicknaming it “Pane di Toni”, which later became “panettone.”

Italian tradition dictates that the panettone be placed in the centre of the table Christmas morning, to be enjoyed with breakfast. Choosing the right panettone is essential, as it needs to impress your guests.

The secret to the perfect panettone lies in . . . the preparation!

For a panettone to be successful, you must not only choose quality ingredients, but adhere to the traditional mode of confection—which can be long and complex! Traditionally, the recipe calls for two rising periods and a short baking time in order to obtain a moist centre. When serving your guests, remember to wish them “happiness and wealth!”

Stefano’s panettone: creative, gourmet, delicious!

Without a doubt, Stefano Faita is an incredible chef. And from November to January only, he is offering consumers the chance to try his traditional panettone, filled with citrus fruit and a refreshing flavour palette that’s hard to beat! Other fanciful flavours include apple and cinnamon, lemon, chocolate, and tiramisu (mascarpone included!), available at IGA in 750 g or 100 g formats. A Christmas dessert that’s ready to serve and is sure to steal the show!

How to consume this tasty holiday cake?

Panettone can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, thinly or thickly sliced: 

• toasted and served at breakfast;
• for dessert, served with a sweet wine;
• drizzled with sauce or topped with whipped cream;
• plain with an afternoon latté, while listening to Christmas music;
• in a French toast bake or bread pudding on Christmas morning.