Whether you are looking to connect to your Italian roots or simply love Italian food, this holiday season is the perfect time to create a new holiday tradition – an Italian-themed tradition. There’s no better time than the 2020 holiday season to add something new to the festivities. Feature traditional Italian food to mix things up, add culinary flair and start a new tradition that is sure to impress your friends and family. Italy is a country steeped in interesting and family-oriented holiday traditions. Food always takes a seat at the forefront of those festivities. And, the good news is, you don’t have to travel across the pond to create your own Italian-themed dinner here in the U.S.A. Tap into this guide for all the ingredients, tips, backstories and holiday recipes you need to curate a fantastic Italian holiday.

Traditional Italian Food – The Key Ingredient for This Holiday Season

A culture steeped in holiday tradition – The holiday season is an integral part of the Italian lifestyle. Few places are more festive and embracing of the Christmas than Italy. Gift giving, food and traditions permeate throughout the season.

• Gifts from the heart – Gift giving holds a special place in the Italian holiday season with a twist. Gifts may be handmade or consist of traditional Italian foods. It’s never about the amount spent on the gifts. It’s about the intention and thought put into the gift. Wine, chocolate and nuts are common gifts. Panettone, the famously-Italian holiday cake, is one of the most popular food-themed gifts and can be found in nearly every household during the holiday season.
• Italian-style family time – The holiday season, in addition to traditional Italian foods, is centered on spending time with family and friends. Gatherings in homes, in restaurants and churches are the place to be.

Interesting dates to consider – Most Italian holiday festivities begin on Christmas Eve, but there are also some other noteworthy dates that you may want to feature in your holiday plan-making this year.

• December 6 – Set the calendar to mark the Italian celebration of San Nicola (or in English, St. Nicholas), which is celebrated in early December. San Nicola is the patron saint of mariners and the weak and the saint from whom the tradition of St. Nicholas or Santa Clause as we know him in the West originates.
• December 8 -The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated with feasts of traditional Italian foods in honor of the widely-held Italian belief that Jesus was conceived immaculately with mother, the Virgin Mary.
• December 13 – This day is dedicated to the honor of Santa Lucia. Especially in the North, many commemorate her with gift-giving, usually in addition to Christmas or possibly in place.
• December 26 – The Christmas celebration overflows over into the next day if you’re in Italy. It’s a time to bring out some leftovers, some time to relax and spend more quality time with family.

An Italian twist on holiday recipes – Sharing traditional Italian foods together is at the core of the Italian holiday season. It’s the most authentic way of celebrating and sharing the spirit of Christmas. Traditions and food styles vary from region to region. Since, we’re creating an Italian-American holiday tradition, there’s plenty of American twists to put on your holiday recipes.

• Start with the appetizers. Antipasto for the win. A traditional Italian food that starts off your holiday dinner is so easy, elegant and delish. Couple up some Italian meats like pepperoni, prosciutto or salami with olives of all colors and flavors, tapenades, cheeses and more.
• Main dishes that will wow your guests and your taste buds. Pastas, of course, top the list of traditional Italian foods to serve for your holiday festivities. Explore new combinations like Eggplant Arbiata with Pennoni Regate or Spaghetti alla Amatricana.

Recipe Tips:

Eggplant Arbiata with Pennoni Regate – Sauté eggplant with San Marzano tomatoes D.O.P. and toss with freshly cooked al dente pasta, serve family-style with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and a dollop of ricotta cheese on top.

Spaghetti alla Amatricana – Sauté pancetta chunks with onion. Mix with red pepper flakes, parsley, tomato puree and vinegar. Fold in al dente spaghetti and top with shaved Parmesan cheese.

• It wouldn’t be Christmas without dessert. Of course, no holiday feast would be complete without dessert. Traditional Italian foods include the sweeter fare that we all crave during the holidays. Tempt the sweet tooth in your group with a unique twist on traditional Italian desserts like Panettone and Zabaglione over Chocolate Pizzelles.

Recipe Tips:

Panettone French Toast – Dip slices of Panettone in egg and sprinkle with cinnamon to create a new take on French toast that will impress for Christmas brunches.

Zabaglione over Chocolate Pizzelles ­- Beat the egg yolks with sugar and Marsala wine then bring to a boil so it thickens. Drizzle over pizzelles and top with berries.

Flora Foods is proud to bring traditional Italian foods to the holiday celebrations of American households during the season and all year round. From authentic pastas to olives to cheeses and sauces, you’ll find the authentic Italian ingredients you need at florafoods.com. Whether you want traditional Italian foods this holiday season or want to put a new twist on your holiday recipes, Flora has you covered with authentic ingredients that explode with flavor.

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