Glossary P
Pizzelle refer to Italian large, crisp or chewy waffle-type cookies with a vanilla flavor are made by pouring batter between the two plates of an iron, which is then held over a fire or heated electrically. Pizzelle iron, is a device like a waffle iron which stamps an elaborate design into the thin biscuits.
They are made from flour, butter, eggs and sugar.
The most common modern patterns found on these delicious waffle cookies are floral on one side and a woven basket-like pattern on the other.
They are very popular for Christmas and other holidays in Italy.
The word Pizzelle means, small, flat, and round in Italian.
Pizzelle were first made in the south-central area of Abruzzo (presently the Abruzzo Region of Italy) in the 8th century.
Two (2) small towns each claim to have originated the treat, and Pizelle are featured in their yearly festivals:
(1) The people of Salle, in the Province of Pescara, celebrate the festival of Beato Roberto every July. Celebrants walk down the street carrying branches on which Pizzelle are hung as an offering;.
(2) In the Province of L’Aquila, specifically in Cocullo, the celebrants eat Pizzelle during the festival of their patron Saint Domenico.
Nowadays, Pizzelle can be found at almost any celebration in the Abruzzo region and across Italy. At Italian weddings, it is rare that Pizelle are not served at sweets/dessert table.
Pizelle are closely associated with family, that, Pizzelle irons have been fashioned with the pattern of a family’s crest.
In countries like Canada, the U.S.A and Australia where there are large Italian populations, Pizzelle are also popular.