Panettone is a sweet bread prepared all over Italy for Christmas. Making the bread is a lengthy process, with the dough taking days to cure. The bread contains candied orange, citron, lemon zest and raisins.
Luckily for us, making panettone is not necessary. Annalisa makes very delicious panettone at Il Monaco in Ponte a Serraglio.
You will have to be quick, there are only so many she can make.
We are very lucky in Ponte a Serraglio, we have Il Monaco, where Annalisa and her pastry chef, Stefana make the most delicious pastries and cakes. The pasticceria opens very early in the mornings and is instantly busy. The coffee is excellent and choosing which pastry to have may just be the hardest decision you will make all day.
There are also delicious sandwiches for those who prefer savoury things in the morning.
It is Carnevale time which means fritelle. I think it is wrong that these little donut like pastries are only available for a few weeks a year.
Stefana is showing us the chocolate version. They also come with a rice or vanilla filling…..more decisions.
Annalisa is helped in Il Monaco by her sister Suzanna and a team of pretty girls. Her 2 daughters are still a bit young to help.
Annalisa is on the right, Suzanna is holding Sylvia and Elise, who has the most beautiful hair I have ever seen, is in front of her mother.
Don’t have breakfast at home. Il Monaco and Bar Italia, across the piazza ( also owned by Annalisa ) are so much more fun. Apart from getting a great coffee, it is the best way to experience village life. Practise your best Buongiorno and meet the locals.
Il Monaco is open early every day except Wednesday. The closing time depends on the time of year. In warmer weather they also make delicious gelato.
You will find Il Monaco and Bar Italia in the piazza at Ponte a Serraglio. I am most fortunate, I just have to walk across the bridge and I am there.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 