Comments on: How to learn about pizzelle

Question: How to learn about pizzelle

Airhen — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:44:30 -0800

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.

By: Kellydamnit

Kellydamnit — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:49:04 -0800

I'm not exactly an authority, but my (Italian-American) family serves them at Christmas, not weddings.

By: Roger Dodger

Roger Dodger — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:56:58 -0800

Have you seen this link?

By: Airhen

Airhen — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 16:09:15 -0800

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).

By: terrapin

terrapin — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 16:26:22 -0800

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 :)

By: Roger Dodger

Roger Dodger — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 16:54:24 -0800

Hmm, after searching myself, I'm surprised at the lack of sources as well. You can try asking here: The Food Timeline

By: Argyle

Argyle — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 17:30:24 -0800

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.