Panna Cotta is a refreshing and delicious summer treat.
This summer, it’s time to give your dessert repertoire an update with six traditional Italian desserts. Italian desserts are steeped in a rich, and ancient tradition with recipes dating back many generations. If you’re ready to give something new a try, make sure to head over to Basta Pasta for all your Italian cuisine needs.
Babá al-Rum
This Sweet treat comes from the heart of Naples and is also called a Rum Baba. With origins in Eastern Europe, the Baba can also be found on Polish and Ukrainian dessert menus. Individual cylindrical cakes are soaked in a syrup infused with rum once cooked and then topped with a generous serving of whipped cream and fresh fruit or jam. It’s a perfect way to make use of the season’s berries and fruits.
Panna Cotta
This rich, gelatinous dessert is famous all over the world, and with its delightful texture and taste, it’s no wonder. A thick cream, sugar, and gelatin mixture is formed in molds and chilled until it sets into a wobbly, but firm form. They are often infused with coffee and vanilla and topped with fruit, caramel or chocolate.
Tartufo
When a cunning chef realized there were not enough gelato cups for an aristocratic wedding attended by King Vittorio Emanuele II in a small town in Calabria, the ingenious dessert known as the Tartufo was invented. Two flavors of gelato and a fruit syrup center are coated with a shell of chocolate or nuts and then refrozen so that it retains its spherical shape. A Tartufo is sure to impress the guests at your next summer get-together.
Zabaione
Looking for a new topping for your summer fruits? Zabaione is an ancient Italian dessert recipe perfect for any occasion. Made with beaten egg yolk, sugar and sweet wine this simple dessert has been a favorite since the 15th century. It is also often used as a gelato flavor and can be served over biscuits as well as fruit.
Pastiera Napoletana
This traditional cake from Naples is thought to have originated as part of Pagan springtime celebration. Now it is often used as an Easter cake and is made from a doughy filling of ricotta, candied fruit, and cooked wheat flavored with cinnamon or orange water.
Cassata
Looking for a bright and show-stopping dessert to bring to your next picnic? Cassata is an excellent choice for you! This brilliant green dessert hails from Sicily and can be made as one large or individual small cakes. Traditionally it is made with a combination of citrus fruits, ricotta, and almonds. A case of sponge cake is layered with sweetened sheep’s milk ricotta mixed with chocolate chips. The cake is then covered with green dyed marzipan, icing, and decorated with candied fruits, giving it a very cheery and festive appearance.
Seada
The island of Sardinia is famous for these giant, sweet ravioli. The Seada is a dessert ravioli made from semolina flour and stuffed with sheep cheese and lemon zest. The pastries are then deep fried and drizzled with honey and served hot. This combination of sweet and savory is not to be missed.
LET BASTA PASTA TREAT YOU!
For more than 12 years, Basta Pasta has given Maryland diners delicious Italian food from local and fresh ingredients. Enjoy delicious pasta dishes, unlimited salad and breadsticks, and fine wine at one of our locations in Timonium, Fallston, Perry Hall, or Eldersburg. Contact us online or give us a call at the location-specific phone number listed here. Read our menu and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter! If you don’t feel like going out, order our signature crab cakes online and enjoy delicious Basta Pasta from home!