Chifferi

Named after kefir, meaning moon in Arabic, these beloved Ligurian crescent-shaped cookies were allegedly created in the 19th century by Benedetto Ferro, a former sailor with a passion for confectionery. Deciding to follow his dream, he opened pasticceria Ferro in Finale Ligure and created the elegant chifferi mandorlati. Flavored with orange blossom water and decorated with flaked almonds, they were probably inspired by similar treats he had consumed during his voyages. Chifferi are best enjoyed sprinkled with powdered sugar - precisely how they still sell them at Pasticceria Ferro, which has been in business ever since, passing the authentic recipe from generation to generation.