Pampapato di Ferrara

The peppered bread of Ferrara is a traditional Christmas fruitcake studded with whole almonds, hazelnuts, and candied fruit. It is flavored with cocoa, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and (sometimes) black pepper - hence the name pampepato. Its origins can be traced back to the 15th century. According to legend, the cloistered nuns of the Corpus Domini monastery in Ferrara—inspired by an old recipe of the great Renaissance cook Cristoforo di Messisbugo—created the cake to be sent to the great personages of the time, including high clergy, which is why Ferrara's fruitcake is also known as pan del papa, meaning bread of the pope. This Christmastime treat is not only popular throughout Emilia-Romagna but it's also a favorite in the neighboring regions of Umbria and Tuscany.