Amaretti – Italy

Amaretti are tiny Italian-descent biscuits flavored with bitter almonds; hence the name “Amaretti,” meaning “the little bitter ones,” was chosen to reflect the meaning. There are multiple variations and flavors of Amaretti cookies. Some are regularly flavored with chocolate or liqueurs, and some are made with ground almonds or finely grounded almond pastes, sugar, and egg whites.

In the early 18th century, a Milanese bishop or cardinal surprised the town of Saronno with a visit. To welcome this important person, a young couple residing in the town made an original confection with sugar, egg whites, and crushed apricot kernels. This pleased the visiting bishop so much that he blessed the two with a happy and lifelong marriage, resulting in the preservation of the secret recipe over many generations.