CBS2 Puts Panettone, An Italian-American Christmas Staple, To The Taste Test
CBS New York ^ | December 23, 2021 | Tony Aiello
Posted on 12/24/2021, 5:11:45 AM by nickcarraway
It’s a holiday treat on Italian-American tables, this and every Christmas — sweet loaves of bread known as panettone. Shopping for one this year, you’ll find the prices range from humble, to high end. CBS2’s Tony Aiello decided to put a $60 panettone to the test — a taste test. At Cosmo Deli in Mamaroneck, the approach of Christmas brings stacks of panettone, an Italian bread that helps make a “Buon Natale.”
“They’re moving. We sold a ton of them and they’re still going,” owner Pat Colalillo said. While the sweet loaves with candied fruit typically sell for $7 to $25, high-end markets have panettone for $60 or more. When asked if it’s worth it, Marlene Tutera said, “Well, if you really like panettone.”
Aiello bought three — one for $8, one for $25, and one for $60. Each was imported from Italy and made in a labor-intensive process that involves hanging upside down after baking. The company that makes the $60 panettone said it uses only the finest ingredients, including a dough starter that the company has continuously maintained for 150 years.“I’ve never seen a $60 panettone!” Geri Caggiano said.
At Maria Ristorante in New Rochelle, chef Gio Cuccolo led Italian-American friends Geri and Marlene in a blind taste test to see how a $60 panettone fared against cheaper competition. “Very citrusy taste, kind of orangey, which was refreshing,” Tutera said.
“Here, we have a much larger loaf,” Cuccolo said.
“It’s just okay,” Caggiano said. “This one is very light and delicate,” Cuccolo said.
Our panettone pros all liked the $25 loaf from Coluccio best, followed by the humble $8 version from Ferrara. In last place was Forno Gentile’s $60 panettone. “It really was shocking that the $8 one fared better than the $60 one,” Tutera said. While the pricey panettone was the prettiest, Caggiano said, “The presentation, the box looks beautiful to give as a gift.” The taste buds certainly told a different story than the price tag.
I would never pay that much. lol
I use empty 105 oz cans (from sam’s club crushed tomatoes) coated in parchment paper. Since I don’t like fruit in mine, I get to make them plain or with bits of dark chocolate in them :)