Buccellato (di Lucca)
The Buccellato is a cake typical of Lucca, Italy which is eaten all year, especially during the demonstrations of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Crossbow held in Lucca in September.
 | |
| Alternative names | Buccellato di Lucca |
|---|---|
| Type | Sweet bread |
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Lucca |
| Main ingredients | sultanas, aniseed |
Buccellato di Lucca derives its name from the Latin Buccella, or bite, to the ancient Romans buccellatum the format was a round loaf of bread or a crown buccellae.
The modern Buccellato di Lucca retains its original ring shape, and is widely found on Luccan tables as a sweet Sunday recandolo, carried home on the forearm after attending mass. It is today occasionally also straight in shape, which is more convenient to carry in a bag.
Buccellato di Lucca's sweet flavor and dark brown color and gloss result from a sugar and egg glaze applied to the crust. There is a slight cut on the upper crust that facilitates rising, and the interior is soft and sweet, filled with sultana raisins and aniseed.