Torrone

Italian nougat is traditionally made with toasted almonds, but today it is also available studded with walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, or even pistachios. Though nougat is believed to have been brought to Italy during the Arab rule, the name torrone stems from the Latin word torrere, which means charring, referring to roasted nuts. Torrone has a soft, chewy texture that varies from soft to firm, and it is commonly sold wrapped in flavorless edible wafer paper which keeps the pieces from sticking to one another. Although this artisan confection is most closely associated with Christmas, it can be found throughout Italy all year round. Some of the most noteworthy nougats come from Piedmont, Tuscany, Campania, and Calabria, whereas the city of Cremona in Lombardy boasts its own Festa del Torrone - nougat festival that is celebrated every November.