Fruity Over Fruit Bread
Meet panettone, the only fruitcake-like concoction I actually adore.
The others? Cloying, gummy, heavy and dense as can be, they’re the butt of so many tireless jokes. For good reason.
Not panettone, though.
The Italian holiday bread — baked in the shape of a towering cupola — is airy and fluffy, thanks to the long proofing of the sweet dough.
For a really exemplary version, try the one made by the Bay Area’s Emporio Rulli.
Recently, I had a chance to try a sample of its Panettone Autunnale, which is made with olive oil and warm, autumn spices. The regal bread is studded with dried cranberries, pistachios, dried apricots, walnuts and pumpkin seeds. It’s crowned with a baked walnut almond paste glaze, though mine melted a bit in transit, so that’s why you don’t see the white glaze as clearly in the photo above.
The panettone is sweet but not overly so, with a wonderful texture from the lightness of the crumb in contrast to the crunch of the nuts. A big wedge makes for a wonderful breakfast. Or serve it after dinner with tiny glasses of an Italian sweet wine.
Each loaf is $37. But hurry, as the Panettone Autunnale is only available at Emporio Rulli in Larkspur and the Emporio Rulli Il Caffe on Union Square in San Franciso until Thanksgiving. Better yet, pre-order it by calling (415) 924-7478 or by emailing: sales@rulli.com.
I love pannatone. This one here on your blog may be the most beautiful one I’ve ever seen. Simply stunning! I love toasting mine and having a little butter on it.
*kisses* HH
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Omg, I love panettone. It’s one of the signals that the holidays are really here. 🙂
I always wanted to try a panettone, but they always look so huge. They need to come up with individual size loaves! 🙂
Ah yes, the gorgeous panettone! That one is really stunning…reminded me to pick up a loaf! 🙂
I am a cheapo…hahaha…I get my panettone from Trader Joes($4.99) and that alone is enough to satisfy my taste buds. I mean, the ingredient list is short and “understandable”, so what more can I wish for? ;p I am already eating my second panettone since November. You know, this is the only festive fruit cake that I enjoy. I used to think festive fruit cake is rich, dense and heavy till I met panettone…hee heee..happy encounter.
That is just beautiful bread. I’m considering an attempt at homemade panettone this year.
It’s funny that you mentioned the usual awful Fruitcakes cuz we just got 1 delivered from our Building Management! They really are 1 of the only things I DON’T like about the holidays!
This pannetone looks delicious! It seems that it is as difficult to find a good one as it is to find a delicious fruit cake. But I have a recipe on my blog that is different because it is made with exotic fruits and maple syrup. After all, we live in the country of maple! Here it is : http://missdiane.canalblog.com/archives/2008/12/16/11775922.html
Thanks for sharing this with us!
beautiful picture! I’ve never heard of this bread before, but you really can see how light and airy it is – sounds delicious!
best panettone was at the old wilson jewel bakery in santa clara. miss that place…
Costco sells during the holiday Panettone for like $7. It’s tasty.
Oh wow the texture of the bread looks awesome! I’m sure this would also be great as French toast. yum!
I agree! I much prefer panettone over say fruit cakes and such.
A good pannettone is a thing of beauty. There is one that is sold here that is made from a 100 year old yeast starter in Italy. It comes in a shoe box and is very, very expensive but it’s so good! 😀
WOW – What a loaf!