Panellets

Panellets

Panellets are traditional sweets, often enjoyed during the celebration of All Saints' Day, known as La Castanyada in Catalonia, Spain. They are small cakes or cookies in different shapes, mostly round, made mainly from marzipan (a mixture of sugar, almonds, and egg).

History

The tradition of making Panellets dates back to the 18th century. They were originally a food that was blessed and eaten to share with the dead on All Saints' Day. Over time, they have become a popular treat during this holiday season.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of Panellets are sugar, almonds, and eggs. However, there are many variations of Panellets, with additional ingredients such as sweet potatoes, coconut, cocoa, coffee, cherries, and pine nuts.

Preparation

The preparation of Panellets begins with the making of marzipan. Almonds are ground into a fine powder and mixed with sugar and egg white. This mixture is then shaped into small balls or other shapes and coated with pine nuts or other ingredients. The Panellets are then baked until golden brown.

Varieties

There are many varieties of Panellets, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular varieties include:

• Pine Nut Panellets: These are the most traditional variety, coated with pine nuts.
• Coconut Panellets: These are coated with shredded coconut.
• Almond Panellets: These are made with ground almonds and have a rich, nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Panellets: These are made with cocoa or chocolate, giving them a rich, sweet flavor.

Serving

Panellets are typically served with a sweet wine, such as Moscatell, or a hot beverage, such as hot chocolate. They are often enjoyed as a dessert or snack during the La Castanyada celebration.

See Also

• La Castanyada
• Marzipan
• All Saints' Day

References

• Traditional Catalan Cooking, by Teresa Barrenechea
• The Food of Spain, by Claudia Roden

External Links

• Catalan Food and Wine: Panellets
• Spain.info: Panellets Recipe