Pralines
Italian pralines are wrapped in beautiful packaging. Often filled with hazelnut cream, liqueurs, or almond paste. They are sweet and creamy, and the pieces of caramelized nuts add a nice contrast to the surrounding chocolate. The origin of Pralines dates back to 1636, when Clement Lassagne decided to dip almonds into boiling sugar, and named his creation after his master, Plessis-Praslin. Today, they are a symbol of Italian confectionary and a popular gift for loved ones.
Cremino
A layered chocolate treat that originated in Turin, the classic cremino is a three-layered chocolate square featuring layers of gianduja (hazelnut chocolate paste) and a layer of hazelnut paste. Today, many famous Italian companies make Cremino chocolate. Some of the main producers are Caffarel, Feletti and Venchi. Each one makes their own delicious version of this classic Italian treat!
Gianduiotto
With its distinctive boat-like shape and hazelnut-chocolate blend, the gianduiotto is one of Italy’s most iconic sweets. Due to a shortage of cocoa in the 19th century, chocolatiers mixed hazelnuts with cocoa to stretch their supply. This quickly became a local favorite and it is often praised for its creamy and perfectly balanced texture. It’s a must-buy for those seeking an authentic taste of Italy’s chocolate-making heritage.
Taralli
These southern Italian ring-shaped snacks are crisp and full of flavor. Almost like a mix between a pretzel and a breadstick, they are made with olive oil, white wine, and are often seasoned with fennel or chili. Taralli were originally prepared as food for the less fortunate, when bakers started to save dough scraps and baked them with white wine. Today, they are commonly paired with cheese, cured meats, and even salads.
