A DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS WITH CARTELLATE

Cartellate are a traditional sweet from Apulian cuisine, particularly popular during the Christmas season, though they can also be enjoyed on other festive occasions. This dessert, rooted in peasant tradition, has a distinctive shape reminiscent of a small rose or spiral, created by rolling the pastry onto itself.

The preparation begins with a thin pastry sheet, which is then cut and rolled into small spirals or cone shapes, forming a sort of “pastry bundle.” The pastries are fried in hot oil, giving them a golden, crispy texture.

The final touch involves dipping the fried cartellate in warm honey or vincotto (concentrated grape juice), coating them completely and enriching them with a sweet, enveloping flavour. Sometimes, they are sprinkled with icing sugar for an extra layer of sweetness. The combination of crispy pastry and soft honey creates a perfect contrast, making this dessert irresistible.

Every Apulian family has its own version of cartellate, with slight variations in ingredients or preparation methods, but the essence remains the same: a dessert that embodies conviviality, tradition, and hospitality. Although primarily associated with Christmas, when they symbolize abundance and prosperity, cartellate also evoke childhood memories, festive family gatherings, and the warmth of a home kitchen.