Christmas in Italy would not be the same if it did not include panettone, the traditional sweet bread that is prepared and enjoyed during the holiday season. Although its origins are said to be from Milan, Italy, its immense popularity has made it a requisite treat throughout the world. Panettone is no longer prepared by the Italian nonna (grandmother); in today's global society, the sweet bread is also made in many non-Italian kitchens, as well as being a favorite item to buy in the stores. The word panettone derives from the Italian word panetto, which means a small loaf of bread. The traditional version of panettone contains orange and lemon zest, as well as raisins, which are added dry and not soaked. However, as a means of appealing to a widely diverse consumer market, other versions of panettone have been made available, such as plain or chocolate. For many panettone aficionados, however, the traditional versions remain the favorite. Most panettone breads have a cupola shape, and are served in slices that are vertically cut. A sweet hot beverage or a glass of sweet wine usually accompanies panettone. Although the process of making panettone can be a very time consuming affair, numerous recipes have been amended to make it less laborious, so that it may be enjoyed by all during the holiday season. These much easier recipes still retain the bread's delicious taste, just when nonna made it. With its origins dating back to the Roman Empire, its popularity has made panettone a timeless classic.

This recipe is for a simpler version of panettone. You can bake this in a high but small cake pan lined with parchment paper. Or a 1 lb coffee can lined with parchment paper. Many gourmet cooking stores now carry the distinctive brown paper that commercial panettone is baked in-if you want that distinctive look.

PANETTONE Copyright 2005-2007-Maria Liberati From the best selling book series The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 stick unsalted butter - (softened-left out at room temperature) 1 teaspoon orange or lemon peel 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon orange oil 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons salt 1 cup buttermilk 2 cups slivered almonds 2 cups golden raisins (optional) 3 cups chopped mixed dried fruits (optional) Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Take either a small high cake pan or a clean, empty 1-pound coffee can. Line either with a parchment paper, cut to fit, and butter paper. Some paper should be overlapping top of pan or can so you will be able to take bread out when finished by lifting on edges of waxed paper. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale yellow, about 5 minutes. Beat in softened butter, lemon peel and extracts. In a small bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt and blend into egg mixture alternately with buttermilk. Stir in almonds, raisins and dried fruit. Pour batter into prepared pan or can and place on a baking sheet. Bake 55 to 60 minutes, or until bread is golden on top and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool bread in can for 10 minutes. Lift bread out of pan by parchment paper edges on top. Turn out onto a rack to finish cooling. To serve, cut into thin wedges.

About the Author

Former international supermodel turned celebirty chef and bestselling author of the best selling cooking series The Basic Art of Italian Cooking-completed her culinary training in Italy. She continues to appear on TV ,radio and featured in national magazines to promote her healthhy, trademarked cooking method-The Basic Art of Italian Cooking by Maria Liberati tm. Maria is also a featured Food columnist for www.chickspeak.com You can red more about