User:Flavio Amico/Maritozzo

The maritozzo is an Italian pastry consisting of a small loaf made of flour, eggs, honey, butter and salt which is split in half and traditionally served with an abundant amount of whipped cream, along with pine nuts, grapes and candied oranges. This recipe is typical of the regions of Lazio, Marche and Abruzzo, while in Apulia and Sicily the name maritozzo refers to a braided pastry.

In some variations, the maritozzo can also be filled with ice cream, which is often vanilla or cream flavoured.

History
The recipe may have origins dating back to ancient Rome : the name is said to derive from the custom of young men offering it to their girlfriends. The future brides which received it hence needed to define the giver "maritozzo", a popular endearment for the Italian word "marito" (Husband). The pastry could, on some occasions, also contain within it gifts like a ring or other kinds of small jewels.

Description

 * Roman maritozzo

It has the shape of a rounded loaf split in half and filled exclusively with whipped cream.


 * Marche-Abruzzo maritozzo

It has the shape of a stretched out loaf, with a pointed ending and without pine nuts.


 * Apulian and Sicilian maritozzo

It has the shape of a braid; it is softer than the Roman one and does not have pine nuts or dried fruits.


 * Savoury maritozzo

It has the shape of a rounded or stretched out loaf, contains less sugar, has a less defined taste and has savoury fillings.