Tis’ the season for creating and connecting in La Cucina! Looking back on your festive food favourites, it’s DOLCI all the way! I like your sty [*new lingo I picked up from teenville ;)*] I read a meme somewhere that said “kids won’t remember what food was made over the holidays” – I am THAT kid and I remember EVERYTHING about the full sensory delight of the holiday food spread growing up in my Italo-Canadian kitchen and so grateful for Nonna and Papa’s culinary talents to learn from to share and connect over with our own kids. My Merry Motto – focus on the things that spark JOY, toss the rest to the holiday hyper-functioning sidelines (Undo List). In reverse-order of a typical five course Italian meal, we’re heading straight for the dolce (dessert) because we’re recipe renegades like that 😉 Here are a few of my favourite Italian-Inspired Holiday Dessert things I think your family will love too:
Frittelle di Natale Holiday Tree
If you’re looking for a savoury version, using Arancini or Antipasto would work well for this edible centrepiece too!
What my childhood dolce dreams were made of holidaying at Nonna’s house – a fresh plate of frittelle (fried pizza dough dusted with sugar). Many cultures have a version of this treat. Try our festive edible holiday tree spin – a beautiful addition to your holiday dessert table! And if you don’t have time to bake it, and want to fake it, any pre-made donut holes would be a fun simplified spin…who’s gonna know?! 😉
Affogato al Hot Cioccolato
Top this Affogato al Cioccolato with your favourite chocolate chunks, Nutella drizzle and/or festive sprinkles! Serve with authentic Italian cookies – Pizzelle or mini almond biscotti are our fab!
A twist on the classic Italian dessert drink Affogato traditionally made with espresso swapping in hot chocolate for a family-friendly spin! Use your flav-ourite holiday gelato – one scoop helps cool this down for littles as a hot cocoa-enjoying minus the tongue burn hack. Grown ups looking to spike it up a notch – try your favourite creamy holiday liqueur. In my humble opinion, Homemade Hot Chocolate tastes the bestest – give this recipe a shot!
Chocolate Cream Panettone Bake
Any Panettone will do, but the Chocolate Chip + Cream version is my flav-ourite!
If you’re gifted an Italian sweet bread (Panettone) this season, our Christmas brunch recipe is THE way to devour it! A drizzle of thinned out hazelnut spread & fresh berries is stupendo! “How to Pick the Best Panettone Guide” included too!
Pistachio Cannoli
A classic dolce in Italian families during the holidays, try these Homemade Italian Cannoli simplified with pre-made shells. Add crushed pistachios, holiday sprinkles or chocolate chips! ‘How to Cannoli’ Food-torial HERE.
While cannoli fillings range from classic candied orange or cherry to modern chocolate chips, my primo fave is with crushed pistachios (pistacchi). Recipe adapted by @VisitSicily (where cannoli originated) and simplified using high-quality, pre-made cannoli shells…shortcuts are #santaapproved 😉
Italian Struffoli di Natale
Italian Honey Bubbles – Struffoli di Natale – was another traditional dolce of Christmastime in our family and shining star of our dessert table!
Craving savoury? Enjoy our Festive Crostini Wreath Appetizer | Have you tried our Homemade Crostini recipe yet? You should – so simple, so delish!
More Festive Food Your Family Will Love:
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