Appears in
Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets

By Darra Goldstein

Published 2015

  • About

Italy comprises 20 regions, hundreds of provinces, and thousands of villages, nearly every one of which takes pride in its local specialty dessert. Some Italian desserts, like tiramisù and panna cotta, are known worldwide, but many more, like the peculiar but delicious melanzana del cioccolato, an eggplant-chocolate dish, are virtually unknown beyond the Amalfi coast. Like its cuisine in general, Italy’s desserts feature local products, including the country’s renowned citrus fruits, honey, and nuts.