Rustichella Saffron Panettone

A holiday tradition for those who grew up in Italy or in Italian-American households. Rustichella d'Abruzzo's Panettone allo Zafferano (Saffron Panettone) is a buttery, dome-shaped brioche bread studded with candied Sicilian oranges and scented with saffron. 

This rich, tasty brioche is made with special natural yeast and the dough is allowed to rise three times—or almost 20 hours—before baking, giving it an uncommonly nuanced flavor. Bright yellow in color, with a strong saffron aroma, the cake is well-balanced on the palate and complemented by bright citrus notes from candied Sicilian orange peel. 

This true Italian artisanal tradition is wrapped in a lively yellow paper and, due to its nature, available in limited quantities—a generous 750 gram size. 

Panettone has a long history and many stories of its creation. We particularly like the legend of the court of the Sforzas, whereby the court cook had no cake to offer on Christmas. Instead the guests were served a sweet bread baked by a kitchen boy named Toni, and in praise the bread was named after him.

Panettone dough rises over several days to achieve the soft yet stranded texture. This long curing of the dough, with the addition of dried or candied fruit, brings forth a wonderful texture and fragrance.

Panettone is traditionally served for dessert on Christmas, with a glass of dessert wine or a bit of bubbly, often with trays laden with cookies, torrone and panforte. Some prefer it on the table at brunch. Panettone can be warmed for a few minutes in a very hot oven and served with creme anglaise or fresh cream whisked with mascarpone. Later in the season, use the last of it for the best French Toast you have ever had.

Our panettone is moist and sweet, crafted in Italy by artisan bakers. Slice into wedges to serve.

Ingredients: candied orange peels (21%) (orange peels, glucose-fructose syrup, sugar, acidulant: citric acid), wheat flour, eggs, natural yeast (wheat), sugar, butter, orange paste (4%), emulsifiers: mono and diglycerides of fatty acids, milk, glucose syrup, egg yolk, sea salt, skimmed milk powder, saffron powder (.2%), natural flavors.

Contains: wheat, eggs and milk.  May contain traces of almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios and soy.