Around Christmastime, panettone appear in almost all our grocery stores. However, they generally aren’t from Italy and, if they are, they are mass produced for the (mostly) American market. Last year, for Christmas, our friends Annamaria and Giuseppe brought us the real deal from Milan — an artisanal, traditional panettone. As Dorothy said, in the Wizard of Oz, it was a “horse of a different color.”
We usually buy the ones we can get locally, even though they aren’t the artisanal variety. We enjoy them but, for the most part, we use them to make French toast or bread pudding. Artisanal panettone can be found here in the states and Italian import stores and, of course, at Eataly. But don’t expect the $5 bargains — authentic panettone are more expensive and worth every penny.
The flavor, texture, and aroma of the panettone from Pasticceria Giovanni Cova in Milan was so far superior that I couldn’t imagine eating it any other way than plain out of the {beautiful} box.
Then, Annamaria asked if we had ever had it with Crema al Mascarpone. Our response in the negative won us her recipe. It is an incredible sauce and completely worthy of the artisanal panettone. Markipeida, who feigns indifference to sweets, asked for seconds!
The holidays are fast approaching – the New Year is on its way with much promise. Please stay safe and well!
~ David
Developed and maintained by Inspiratech LLC.
Design by Themeshift.
John / Kitchen Riffs
November 21, 2020 at 8:31 amI’ve never had Crema al Mascarpone. Heck, I’ve never heard of it! I love mascarpone, so I’m totally craving this. And so simple to make! A big dollop for me, please. 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
November 22, 2020 at 3:10 pmTwo dollops for you, John, if you promise to share with Mrs. KR!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
November 21, 2020 at 9:20 amWe usually receive a panettone each Christmas from different friends because there is one made by a company with our last name. I can’t wait to try a piece with your delicious sauce.
Cocoa & Lavender
November 22, 2020 at 3:10 pmI will have to look for “your” panettone, Karen – how fun!
2pots2cook
November 21, 2020 at 9:45 amDear David ! I decided to post Panettone from Scratch before this Christmas. It is two days project but I decided to make and share it. It turned to be complete disaster !To make a long story a short one, I failed. What came out of the oven was an absolutely crazy flat something; I took my camera, made several photos and saved them for future, once I cool down and make it again, to make a complete story ( with accompanying legend ) …. At this moment, store bough one seems an easier way to enjoy with your beautiful, beautiful cream. Take care dear friends and be safe ! 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
November 22, 2020 at 3:12 pmOh, that is heartbreaking, Davorka – after all the work, time, and – yes – expense you put into it! I have been wanting to make one, too… now I am nervous. If you do get a store bought one, enjoy this sauce!
Eha Carr
November 21, 2020 at 4:47 pmAnother big Sunday smile sent NE across sea and land ! This may sound funny coming from a non-baker but Christmas would not be Christmas without panettone ! Methinks I was a teenager when someone handed me a plate and I fell in love. Must admit I buy. But it is Italian-made . . . yes, probably for mass consumption . . . one of the earliest Christmas food offerings here in Australia. Daresay shall buy . . . and ‘make it better’ with your mascarpone cream . . . keep well . . .
Cocoa & Lavender
November 22, 2020 at 3:12 pmI cannot remember my first panettone, but I am sure it must have come from my uncle’s family. It is just a little miracle from the oven, isn’t it?
John
November 22, 2020 at 3:20 amThe whiff of cognac in this crema won me over, and I haven’t even tasted it. You know Christmas is approaching, here in Oz, when you see fake trees and decorations appearing in malls and department stores, and panettone filling prime retail real estate in supermarkets.
I’m with you, David, as panettone usually makes it as far as the baked tray of bread pudding. Things may change, thanks to this recipe.
Cocoa & Lavender
November 22, 2020 at 3:13 pmIndeed this crema will fix even a store bought panettone, John!
sherry
November 22, 2020 at 4:12 ammascarpone cream sounds wonderful. i’m not a huge fan of panettone i have to admit, but it’s great in bread and butter pudding! we always have it in the shops at christmas, and in the delis of course which are often run by italians.
Cocoa & Lavender
November 22, 2020 at 3:13 pmMaybe you just need to have it with the crema, Sherry! 🙂
Christina Conte
November 22, 2020 at 9:37 amOh yum!! I’ve never heard of it or had it either! I’d totally make this with my friend’s fresh eggs (I wouldn’t do it with regular store-bought). Looks absolutely scrumptious and that panettone! Oh my, I can almost taste it. I went to a cooking class in Australia last year which was taught by the reigning king of panettone! Incredible!
Cocoa & Lavender
November 22, 2020 at 3:14 pmHow wonderful – and what an experience. What is the chef’s name? I obviously hadn’t heard of it either and then, just today, I saw the recipe (slightly different) in my old Ada Boni!
Jeff the Chef
November 22, 2020 at 10:05 amMmm! I’ve never had crema al mascarpone! I’ll bet it could go with all sorts of things, and something about it really seems right for the holidays.
Cocoa & Lavender
November 22, 2020 at 3:15 pmI think the possibilities are pretty much endless with this, Jeff!
Valentina
November 22, 2020 at 8:18 pmWow, the Crema al Mascarpone sounds so delicious. I might only need a spoon. 😉
I know this wasn’t exactly the point of your post, but I love the idea of making French toast and bread pudding with Panettone. That too, might get a spoonful of the Crema al Mascarpone. Wishing you and Mark a very Happy Thanksgiving. ~Valentina
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:32 amHey, it all works! I love bread pudding and French toast made with panettone, but the Crema with a spoon is perfect!
Aarthi
November 24, 2020 at 1:10 amPerfect timing , I just brought Panettone back from groceries , and saw your post. Sauce looks creamy and delicious, looks like the sauce can be used in other desserts too, I cant wait to try your Crema al Mascarpone!
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:32 amI hope to like it Aarthi!
Ron
November 24, 2020 at 8:15 amDavid, I’m with you when it comes to Panettone. They’re not all worthy.
We had a friend, who now looks down from heaven, that was from Milano that gave us a Panettone from his home city for Christmas. After that, I never could enjoy those Costco five buck specials. But, I’ve not had Panettone con Crema al Mascarpone, but will this year.
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:34 amThey really are different… the smell of fake vanilla is the first thing that hits my nose, Ron. Now that I have had the real thing, I’m quite spoiled.
Raymund
November 24, 2020 at 12:30 pmI never had either, though I had seen panettone many times I haven’t actually bought one or offered one. I just thought it was a less dense version of the fruit cake which does not fancy my taste buds but with that crema al mascarpone, I think it changed all my perception. That looks so yum now!
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:35 amYou might like a pandoro more, Raymond. Served around Easter time. Less a fruitcake and more a regular cake.
Dennis Yannakos
November 25, 2020 at 6:41 amOh, it looks so good! I haven’t had it before but guess that the taste is so nice!
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:35 amThanks, Dennis – it really is!
sippitysup
November 27, 2020 at 6:17 pmA chic dollop! GREG
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:36 amFunny – never thought to put together the words chic and dollop… but I’ll take it!
Gloria Roa Baker
November 28, 2020 at 7:41 pmwhat delicious I love panettone David !!
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:36 amThanks, Gloria!
Frank
December 4, 2020 at 6:55 amWhat a treat! Panettoni run the gamut from sublime to totally mediocre. And this one definitely looks sublime!
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:36 amYes, I will go for sublime any day of the week Frank.
Marcelle
December 9, 2020 at 10:12 amDavid, every year I see these lovely cakes in the stores as you mentioned, and I have yet to buy one. I think this year we have to give it a try along with this delicious-sounding sauce! I’m finally getting in the holiday spirit although this year has been the toughest one yet for me to feel the magic! Hope you and Mark are doing well!!
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:37 amYou definitely need to give one. a try — it’s certainly not a Texas fruitcake!
Inger @ Art of Natural Living
December 9, 2020 at 9:55 pmYou know I’m thinking if one couldn’t get an authentic Panettone, that crema could find a destination elsewhere…
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:37 amThat is so true, Inger!
Melissa
December 19, 2020 at 12:25 amI had to wait until yesterday for my panettone to arrive (from Manresa Bakery in Los Gatos, CA) so tonight was the first opportunity I had to try the crema. It met with great favor. I’m already plotting other uses for it once the panettone is gone. David, have you ever tried it on French toast?
Cocoa & Lavender
December 19, 2020 at 9:39 amGlad you liked it, Missy! I have a few ideas up my sleeve for that sauce… Keep me posted on your crema adventures!