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1. It’s a pud that’s beloved both in Italy and beyond, usually made with savoiardi (sponge lady finger biscuits), coffee, mascarpone cheese and zabaglione custard – with cocoa powder to top it off. The name tiramisù literally means ‘pick-me-up’ and this refers to the dessert’s sugar-laden, energy-boosting ingredients! For a dessert so universally adored, its origins are difficult to pin down and various regions of Italy have come up with colourful stories laying claim to this iconic Italian dessert.
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2. Where would we be without Italian gelato? Handmade ice cream from Italy is arguably the finest in the world, with its natural flavours and light, creamy texture. Not wishing to separate those Italian frozen treats, we’ve added sorbetto and granita too!
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3. Meaning ‘cooked cream’ this dessert is made by simmering together cream, milk and sugar, mixing with gelatine and then letting it cool until it sets. Sometimes flavoured with vanilla, cinnamon or alcohol, panna cotta originates from Piedmont, and is often served with wild berries or chocolate sauce.
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4. Zabaione, or as it is more commonly known, zabaglione, is made with egg yolk, sugar, a sweet liqueur (often Marsala wine) and sometimes additional ingredients according to the particular recipe. It’s a very light custard, whipped to incorporate plenty of air, and traditionally served with figs.
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5. Zuppa inglese is an Italian version of trifle, with bright pink layers of Alchermes-soaked cake, custard, cream and fruit. The origins of its name, ‘English soup’, remain uncertain, but perhaps its 19th-century origins relate to the sweet tooth of Italy’s British residents at this time!