As with my pasta, whenever I’m in Italy I buy my breads from a local baker.
My favorite shop – and the one I believe is the best in town – is conveniently located at the bottom of the hill.
I use the shop’s location as an excuse to walk down then up the hill. (Remember, we’re in the Alps.) And thus, I use the walk to justify the consumption of my indulgent purchases when I get home.
In addition to the usual selection, there are plenty of holiday goodies to choose from.
Recently, I purchased a fresh-baked panettone from the shop and was grateful they came in two sizes: the standard size we’re all accustomed to seeing in colorful boxes in stores this time of year, and a smaller, more manageable size for the two of us. As you might imagine, store bought panettones pale in comparison to a freshly baked one.
There’s even a nice selection of pre-made pastas. Not that I plan to stop visiting Pastissima anytime soon. But it’s nice to know I have options.
Here in Biella, many food artisans are celebrated for using traditional recipes and methods of preparation. They intentionally forgo modern methods and updated recipes to the delight of those of us who appreciate the tried and true. The result is more often than not, an unparalleled sensory delight.
Arrivederci!