maritozzo

For no apparent reason, the memory of a maritozzo con la panna just surfaced in my brain. The memory is connected to a latteria in my home town, that sold fresh milk, cream, ricotta and maritozzi con la panna, the best in town.

A maritozzo is a soft bun of oblong shape, with a paper thin sugar glaze on top, lightly sweetened and studded with raisins. It can be eaten as is or cut in half part-way and filled with freshly-whipped fresh cream. If you had asked me as a child, I would have probably said that eating a maritozzo con la panna was as close to nirvana as I wished to be.

Maritozzi are traditional in central Italy and they are popular in Rome. Like with so many food items of my childhood, I never questioned its name or its origin: I simply ate it and enjoyed the experience. However, the name is rather funny, as it is a derivative of marito, meaning husband. I read different theories about the origin of the pastry and of its name, in particular about the marital connection: women making maritozzi for their husbands, would-be husbands giving them to their beloved. The way I see maritozzo is as an example of bread that was dressed-up for special occasions: in this case sweetened, enriched with eggs and uvetta (raisins), and decorated with a glaze.

Hear me pronounce the words on the maritozzo audio file [mp3] or go to the maritozzo audio page for more listening options.

Comments

[Paz]

What wonderful eating experiences you've had as a child! I'd love to taste this maritozzo.

Paz

[Simona]

You can do it in Rome too. When I am there in October I'll try and find a good place for maritozzi and then I can share the name with aspiring tasters.

[Dan Guiducci]

I was born in Roma "The Eternal City" and my experience with the Maritozzo con Panna goes back to my childhood. Every time I go back to Roma I can not resist the temptation.. I MUST have a Maritozzo...! It is a ritual, not just for me, but for the majority of Romani.
I suggest a little "Bar" or coffee-shop just at the end of Viale Marconi. Pass the arches and you'll find it to your left, right at the corner.

Enjoy,

Dan

[Simona]

Hi Dan and welcome. I will stop in Rome in a few weeks and I hope to have the time to check out the place you recommend. Maritozzo is like a sweet dream, but it is true.

[Iceagle]

Grazie Simona!

Yes, that place is the best you can find in Roma and it is open 24hrs. I used to go there after coming out from night clubs.....What a treat, Maritozzo con Panna e Cappuccino! After that it feels like you have touched heaven.. ;-)