As the holiday season approaches in Italy, there is a special treat that people look forward to each year – Befana pastries. These delicious baked goods are a traditional Italian dessert that are commonly enjoyed on the eve of Epiphany, which falls on the 5th of January.

The story behind Befana is that she is an old woman who travels on her broomstick bringing gifts to children on the night of Epiphany. It is said that she visits homes and leaves presents for the good children and coal for the naughty ones. The tradition of Befana has evolved over time, and now children receive their gifts from either Santa Claus or Befana, depending on their family’s traditions.

The signature pastry of the Befana holiday is the Befanini, which are small shortbread cookies that are shaped like stars, hats, broomsticks, and the traditional character of Befana herself. These cookies are flavored with lemon or orange zest and are decorated with colorful sprinkles. They are typically served with a hot cup of tea or coffee and are enjoyed with family and friends during the festive season.

Another popular Befana pastry is the Pizza di Befana, which is a sweet pastry made with shortcrust pastry dough that is filled with custard, chocolate, or fruit preserves. It is then decorated with pastry cutouts to resemble Befana flying on her broomstick. The Pizza di Befana is a delicious and decadent dessert that is often served as the centerpiece of a Befana feast.

In some parts of Italy, especially in Tuscany, a traditional Befana cake is prepared called the Buccellato. This cake is made with sweet bread dough that is filled with raisins and anise seeds. It is then braided into a ring shape and often decorated with glaze and almonds. The Buccellato is a popular dessert during the Befana festivities and is enjoyed with a glass of wine or sweet liqueur.

Another delightful Befana treat is the Zeppole di San Giuseppe, which is a pastry that is typically eaten on Father’s Day in March but made during the entire carnival period that goes from Epiphany to Mardi Gras. These pastries are made with fried dough, filled with sweet ricotta cream, and typically topped with powdered sugar. In some regions, particularly in Naples, they are also filled with jam or cream and fried until golden brown.

Although Befana pastries are popular during the holiday season, they can often be found in Italian bakeries year-round. Along with the Befanini, Pizza di Befana, Buccellato, and Zeppole di San Giuseppe, there are many other delicious variations of Befana pastries that one can find in Italy. From sweet breads like Panettone and Pandoro to the crispy fried delights like Cannoli and Sfinge, Italian pastries are the perfect way to any occasion.

In conclusion, Befana pastries are a delightful and festive treat that have become an integral part of the Italian holiday tradition. Whether you prefer the small and simple Befanini cookies or the more elaborate Pizza di Befana and Buccellato cakes, these pastries are sure to please the palate and add a touch of magic to any celebration. So, why not try your hand at making some traditional Befana pastries this year and start a new holiday tradition in your home?

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