Panetone and other delights

For years I've been seeing these beautiful  boxes in the stores at Christmas time.  But I didn't really know what it was, only that it's an Italian seasonal tradition.  This year I was given one by my son's girlfriend, whose family indulges in this delicious cake for breakfast.  This one is from Milan, where the cake originated.  Isn't the box lovely?

















And here's what was inside the box.  It's a tall cake, rich and soft, loaded with golden raisins and candied fruit.  Sweet but not cloying and easy to pull apart with your fingers for a nibble.  I think this is one treat that will become part of our Christmas tradition too.

We've had a wonderful time visiting with Jamie and Brooke, who are here from Vancouver for the holidays.  And to continue on the Italian theme, tonight I'm making a five course Italian dinner for them and for our other son Ben and his girlfriend Katy.