Florentine Carnival Treats

Carnival is a time of indulgence, so, as you can imagine, the sweets that are prepared during this festival are savory and rich. Although there are diverse types of Carnival desserts made throughout Italy, Florence has several of its own specialties that only appear in the neighborhood bakeries during this time of year. One example is schiacciata alla fiorentina, a sweet soft cake covered with powered sugar and topped with cacao in the design of the Florentine lily. And, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can also put whipped cream or chantilly cream inside, creating a deliciously rich sandwich. Another type of treat are the long pieces of sweet fried dough covered in powered sugar referred to as cenci in Florence, so called because their forms recall pieces of cenci, or rags. You can find these bits of fried dough throughout Italy, but they go by different names, such as chiacchiere or frappe. Finally, Florentines also enjoy frittelle,which are rice fritters prepared with milk, flour, sugar, and egg. They can be served plain or with raisins. Originally, these fritters were made on March 19, the occasion of the feast day of St. Joseph, or Italy’s Father’s Day; however, they have now found their way into the tradition of Carnival as well.