Panettone is a yeasted type of cake which is usually enjoyed during Christmas season. Thats when u see the supermarkets start putting up boxes of panettone on the shelfs. Despite their large image, it’s a very light cake. The lightness and aeration of the cake come solely from the yeast in it. For some, the proofing of the dough may take a couple of days. It contains dried fruits such as sultanas, raisins, orange peels and zests. Some variation may come with chocolate or just plain!. And it’s originated from Milan,
The origins of this cake appear to be ancient, dating back to the Roman Empire, ancient Romans sweetened a type of leavened bread with honey. Throughout the ages this “tall, leavened fruitcake” makes cameo appearances in the arts : In a 16th century painting by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, also as a recipe in a contemporary recipe book written by Bartolomeo Scappi, personal chef to popes and emperors during the time of Charles V.
The word “panettone” derives from the Italian word “panetto,” a small loaf bread. The augmentative Italian suffix “-one” (pronounced “onay”)changes the meaning to “large bread.” Fanciful legends ascribing the word to a baker named “Tony” show little understanding of the Italian language. See American Heritage dictionary for etymology.
The first recorded association of Panettone with Christmas can be found in the writings of 18th century illuminist Pietro Verri. He refers to it as ‘Pane di Tono’ (Large Bread).
excerpt from wikipedia.org
I personally don’t really like yeasted cakes because of the acidity of it. No. It’s because of the yeast smell in it. The chef said it’s probably best eaten the day after when the smell of the yeast has subside but it all went to the bin before it could survive the next dawn. Oh well.. too late.
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