Imported from Saronno, Italy
According to legend, the Cardinal of Milan made a surprise visit to the town of Saronno, near Milan in Italy, and two young lovers prepared the cookies in his honor. With only short notice of his visit they had few ingredients to work with - just sugar, egg whites and apricot kernels. So they baked these into small round macarons which had a slight bittersweet taste that they called "Amaretti" (a little bitter in Italian) and wrapped them in elegant, colorful paper. Legend also has it that if you make a wish, roll the paper and light it, your wish will come true if it rises to the ceiling (at your own risk!)
Nearly 300 years later, these same authentic amaretti cookies are produced today by descendants of the original family. The Lazzaroni family still lives in the same home in the center of Saronno in what was once a monastery and is now known as the cloisters. In Italian this is called chiostro, and is the brand name of the company. Within the cloisters is an archive museum that guards the packaging and artifacts of the family history.
The distinctive flavor and texture of the cookies come from truly simple ingredients:
sugar
"armeline" obtained from apricot kernels
egg whites
The real secret to making them unique throughout the world lies in the selection and care of these ingredients:
a special kind of armeline is used
flour, raising agents or flavorings are never added to the dough
the dough is rested and then slowly baked to give the distinctive flavor and texture
the wrapping paper and production methods are exclusive to the family
The range has now been enlarged to include the traditional crunchy and the unique soft varieties packaged in beautiful red and green cartons and luxury tins.
Crunchy Amaretti
Excellent as an after-dinner treat or to add zest and texture to dessert recipes. Double individually wrapped for long lasting freshness. Gluten-free, lactose-free, no trans fat, no cholesterol, no added fat.
Also available as amarettini, the smallest version of our delicious crunchy biscuits, a must with coffee or a break in sweetness.
Soft Amaretti
A more recent innovation following the same traditions but the addition of almonds creates a softer macaron with the same inimitable flavor.
Available in original as well as lemon, pistachio and chocolate varieties.
Baci
In Italian, "baci" means kiss. In this cookie, two halves of light butter cookie spheres "kiss" each other with a chocolate cream filling. This little treat is presented in a window box with a historic design.
Cantucci (Biscotti)
A typical Tuscany specialty. We can find them among the most typical dessert of ancient culinary tradition of this region and they are part of our confectionary specialties. The name comes from "canto" (song in English) or from Latin "cantellus" (slice of bread). Available in cantuccini (small) and cantuccione (large) sizes.
Also available in lemon, almond and chocolate chip flavors.
Limoncini
Traditional Italian lemon-flavored biscuits. These cookies are often served as a sweet treat with coffee or tea, or enjoyed as a light dessert after a meal. They are popular during the holiday season in Italy but can be enjoyed year-round as well.
Meringue
A light, airy and sweet candy made from whipped egg whites and sugar. They have a crisp exterior and soft, marshmallow-like interior, and can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping or filling for pies, tarts and other desserts.
Canestrelli
Delicate biscuits with the typical shape of a flower, originating in Piedmont and Liguria. They are popular sweets of ancient origin and are offered on special occasions such as weddings, baptisms, religious festivals and carnivals.
