Panettone: one of Milan's symbols

Panettone, litteraly "the big bread" it's the undisputed king of Milan's confectionery, usually prepared and enjoyed for Christmas and New Year around Italy, and one of the symbols of the city.

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It has a cupola shape which extends from a cylindrical base and is usually about 12-15 cm high for a 1 kg panettone. It contains candied orange, citron and lemon zest, as well as raisins, which are added dry and not soaked. The origins of this cake appear to be ancient, dating back to the Roman Empire, as ancient Romans sweetened a type of leavened bread with honey.

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The word "panettone" derives from the Italian word "panetto," a small loaf bread. The augmentative Italian suffix "-one" (pronounced "o-neh") changes the meaning to "large bread."

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Panettone it is not only a tasty sweet, but also a nice, although a bit bulky souvenir. As it is a seasonal item, it can be hard finding during summer monthes, but from the middle of November to the end of January you will see piles of panettoni in every supermarket and pastry-shop.

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Prices can range from 1.5 € for a discount, no logo product, to 50 € for top-class sweets in the city centre pastry-shops. Hards discounts from January's first week.

Thanks to: Wikipedia