51. Ciambellone di Sant'Antonio di Gallicano nel Lazio
History
The Ciambellone, or “ciammelò”, is a savoury knot-shaped biscuit that is produced in the municipality of Gallicano nel Lazio on the feast day of Saint Anthony Abbot, 17 January. The shape is thought to be inspired by the woven horseshoe or by a vision of Saint Anthony in which the saint saw a hermit weaving a rope. Even today, some families still make it in the shape of a doughnut. The biscuit is made with a few ingredients: flour, extra virgin olive oil, yeast, aniseed, red wine and salt.
During the festival, the doughnut is distributed directly by the parish priest to the faithful who bring animals and cars for the annual blessing.
The product
The Ciambellone has a uniform hazelnut colour. Its aroma is characterised by pronounced notes of flour, oil and spicy aniseed, combined with hints of wine. The taste is harmoniously salty, with a slight sweet and sour note. The texture is quite crunchy with a medium aromatic persistence.
