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  • Cooking in Italy: Italian cooking holidays

Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays in Italy. A celebration of the death an the rebirth of Christ. After church on Easter Sunday most families gather at the table to have Easter dinner together. Easter dinner in Italy is usually concluded with a cake that takes on one of the most recognizable symbols of Easter, the dove. The Colomba cake takes on this shape precisely because the word ‘Colomba’ in Italian means dove. Thus, it is a fitting dessert as a symbol of peace to finish Easter Dinner.

The Colomba cake finds its roots in Lombardia even if some believe it is from Northern Europe. There are are different legends that surround its birth. Here is one of them.

According to this legend there was a cruel King called Alboino who wanted to conquer the town of Pavia. After three long years the he was successful in taking the town and as a reward for his efforts he wanted twelve young virgins.

A young woman came up with an idea to make an exceptional cake to offer King Alboino as a means to calm him. With the help of twelve of her colleagues they began mixing flour, sugar, eggs, butter and milk. They then added yeast, candied orange, lemon zest and a pinch of salt. They made the cake in the shape of a dove (Colomba) as a symbol of their pureness, but also as a symbol of peace. The cake was covered with pieces of sugar and almonds and then presented to the cruel King.

The King was so taken by this gentle gesture that he renounced his cruel proposal. Or so they legend says.

Colomba cake is a soft pastry with candied fruit, covered with icing, almonds and granulated sugar

Colomba cake is so good and rich with flavor that it can be served without creams or otherwise. This cake stands well on its own. If you prefer a richer dessert you can accompany it with zabaione or this orange cream.

Just cut the pieces and serve it to your family and friends remembering the importance of this wonderful dessert.

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