Fine Tastes of Modena

Amaretti (macaroons) are light, baked cookies typical of homemade Modena baking that have maintained the same characteristics of authenticity and simplicity throughout the years.
Amaretti cookies, whose tradition goes back over a hundred years, look a bit rough and dome-like. They have an inviting bittersweet taste and a delicious almond and sugary perfume. They are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. The basic ingredients are sweet and bitter almonds, egg whites and sugar or honey; but each family or pastry shop has their own recipe which may have different ingredients or prepared in slightly different ways.

It seems that the first Amaretti were made in Spilamberto, a small village near Modena. Every family had their own way of making the dough which is why each family recipe would taste slightly different. Commercial production of this local sweet began around the mid-1800s in Spilamberto, and then in Modena in the beginning of the 1900s.
There are references to Amaretti in the nineteenth century recipes by Ferdinand Cavazzoni, a confectioner in the House of Molza, one of Modena's most prestigious noble families.

Traditionally Amaretti follow a meal with a glass of white wine, but are also good for breakfast or as a snack with a nice cup of tea.
Their intense flavor is excellent with the delicate taste of whipped cream or even enjoyable topped with a spot of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.