This is a collaborative post.
It’s very easy to start a love-affair with Italy. From the lakes to the cities and the architecture to the scenery, there are spellbinding visions everywhere you turn. But it’s not just the sights and sounds which will have you falling in love. It’s also the tastes! Below we’re going to take a look at some of the sweetest treats in Italy that always guarantee la dolce vita.
Gelato
Gelato is an Italian staple. There is not a place in Italy you will go where you can’t get your manicured nails on this sweetest of treats. And while gelato is the Italian word for ice-cream don’t be fooled into thinking it tastes the same! It’s actually made in an entirely different way. Gelato is churned at a much slower speed and has much less air churned into it. It also contains a lot less fat. The base of gelato uses much more milk than cream, therefore has much less fat. Italian gelato looks and tastes much softer than your regular ice-cream and is much better for you. Therefore there is no reason why you can’t have a bigger helping! Because it has less frozen fats, it also tastes more intense. And there are so many flavours that you can buy such as melon, mango and pineapple. Unfortunately, lots of gelaterias in Italy are now not using this process. So make sure you find the very best place to ensure you are savouring authentic gelato. Some of our favourites include Gelateria I Caruso in Rome, Gelateria Alaska in Venice and II Massimo Del Gelato in Milan.
Cannoli
Italy escorted tours will take you through the beautiful region of Sicily where you will be able to tantalise your tastebuds with the sweet treat of cannoli. This delicious pastry snack originates from this area. You’ll find yourself trying gorgeous deep-fried pastry tubes filled with fresh creamy ricotta cheese. You can even have the ends dipped in chocolate! It is Sicily’s best-known sweet treat, and Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto is one of the best places to try it.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu was first made in Italy way back in the 1960’s. It is believed to have originated in the town of Treviso, but again it depends on who you talk to. Some people say they have found evidence of recipes dating back to the 50’s. This Italian sweet treat is made up of delicious finger biscuits, sugar, mascarpone cheese, cocoa powder, egg yolks and that all important ingredient coffee. It’s a super chic dessert, and you’ll find it on the dessert menu at most Italian restaurants. It is thought to have originated in the town of Treviso, but again it depends on who you talk to. Some people say they have found evidence of recipes dating back to the 50’s. If you are on holiday in Rome, visit the legendary shop Pompi, where the tiramisu is famed. If you are away in Milan, try Il Salumaio Di Montenapoleone for a taste of this iconic dessert. And if you are in Florence try one of Kylie Minogue’s favourite hotels, the J.K.Place Firenze for tiramisu on the terrace.
