How to learn about pizzelle

August 7, 2006 3:44 PM

I need authoritative sources on the history of and traditions involving pizzelle.

I've asked bakers and cookbook authors. I've tried cooking encyclopedias, travel guides to Italy and cookbooks. I've found some information through Google, but the sources aren't cited. Wikipedia doesn't count. I've stumped four librarians.

I think they originated in Abbruzzo for the Festival of the Snakes. Can anyone help me confirm this?

Are they traditionally served at weddings? Or is there a tradition associated with them?

I never thought it would be so hard to find something out about a cookie.

posted by Airhen to food & drink (6 comments total)

I'm not exactly an authority, but my (Italian-American) family serves them at Christmas, not weddings.
posted by Kellydamnit at 3:49 PM on August 7, 2006

Have you seen this link?
posted by Roger Dodger at 3:56 PM on August 7, 2006

I have seen that link, thanks. I wasn't sure where the author was getting the information from (other than where she got the recipe).
posted by Airhen at 4:09 PM on August 7, 2006

yes, my family always serves them at Christmas. Those and those little nougat things with nuts in them.

Wedding soup is served at weddings though :)
posted by terrapin at 4:26 PM on August 7, 2006

Hmm, after searching myself, I'm surprised at the lack of sources as well. You can try asking here: The Food Timeline
posted by Roger Dodger at 4:54 PM on August 7, 2006

My family is Sicilian. My grandmother would make these regularly. No real special occasion or tradition other than we ate them after a family dinner "to help digestion" along with some Brioschi.

To this day, if I smell anisette, I can't help but think of being eight years old, eating pizelle.
posted by Argyle at 5:30 PM on August 7, 2006