Rose's July Shop Watch Amaretti di Saronno

Amaretti di Saronno

Melbury and Appleton

What?
Lazzaroni di Saronno

Why?
The best summer dessert

My favourite summer dessert is peaches with amaretti. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it encapsulates the taste of summer: ripe juicy peaches complemented by the sweet crunchy almond filling and served with a dollop of crème fraiche or, even better, a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I don’t really have a preference for white or yellow peaches – whichever looks the best on the day. Delia’s recipe explains how to make them – you simply cut the peaches in half (no need to peel them), mix together the filling and pile it in the centre, and bake. It could not be easier or more delicious.

For the filling you need amaretti biscuits and the only ones to buy are the original amaretti: Lazzaroni di Saronno.  According to legend, in 1718, the Cardinal of Milan decided to visit the Blessed Virgin of the Miracles in Saronno, just outside Milan. In honour of his visit a young couple prepared a dough based on sugar, almonds and egg white which was used to create round biscuits which became called amaretti. When the Lazzaroni family moved to Saronno at the beginning of the 18th century they started to make them, eventually producing them commercially in 1888 and exporting them round the world.

The packaging used by Lazzaroni is iconic. The red tin is one of those pieces of retro packaging that makes it museum worthy. It is difficult to describe so I suggest you Google it. But suffice it to say it is a design that is unmistakable and old fashioned in the best possible way. It is a tin that you will want to keep forever in your kitchen. So, I suggest you buy a tin to begin with and you can then order boxes of refills after.

And there is another story about the packaging which unfortunately can no longer be promoted as it could cause a fire risk. But Stanley Tucci in his book Taste, describes what was essentially a party trick. The crinkly paper the biscuits were wrapped in could be rolled and the top set alight. Just before the flame reached the bottom of the paper it would float high into the air, and almost, but never quite, touch the ceiling. But this story only reinforces the originality of the brand even though I in no way suggest you try it.

But what I do suggest you try are Lazzaroni amaretti – they are great to dunk into an espresso or munch alongside a digestivo, but most of all to use for my favourite summer dessert. No other will do.

Conclusion:
The original is the best

Product Details:
Lazzaroni di Saronno Amaretti
450g
£14.99
melburyandappleton.co.uk

Refills in jumbo window box
420g
£18.00
sacla.co.uk

Price and availability as at 30th June 2023

View all Rose Lloyd's Shop Watch products