Cavallucci are an Italian Christmas pastry made with anise, walnuts, candied fruits, coriander, and flour. They are Sienese in origin, and the name translates approximately to 'little horses'.[1] The chewy pastries are similar to a cookie or biscuit and traditionally use Tuscan millefiori honey as an essential ingredient in the dough.
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| Type | Pastry |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Siena, Tuscany |
| Main ingredients | Anise seeds, almonds, candied fruits, coriander, flour, Tuscan millefiori honey |
History
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The pastries were originally imprinted with the image of a horse (cavalli is the Italian term for 'horses').[2] They are a version of a pastry which is traceable to the reign of Lorenzo the Magnificent (1449–1492), when they were called "biriquocoli".[3]
Many hypotheses are associated with the origin of its name. According to the most popular version of the story, cavallucci were served to travelers on horseback as a source of nourishment for long trips.[3] Along a similar vein, another speculation is that postal workers who delivered mail over long distances ate the pastries on a regular basis.[1] Additionally surmised is that these sweets were the usual snack of servants who worked in horse stables of rich Italian aristocrats in Siena, a city which gained its fame for horse racing.
Serving
editThe pastry is often paired with sweet dessert wines, such as Vin Santo, and dipped into the wine before being eaten.[3]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b "Cavallucci". ifood.tv. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
- ^ Esposito, Mary Ann. "Horsemen's Cookies". Ciao Italia. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
- ^ a b c "Christmas cakes and sweets in Tuscany". Turismo in Toscana. Regione Toscana. Archived from the original on 16 December 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
External links
edit- Cavallucci (o morsetti) di Siena Retrieved 26 April 2013
- Cavallucci: Local Recipe in Tuscany, Italy Retrieved 26 April 2013