Badiani Christmas Collection 2024: A Celebration of Italian Excellence

This Christmas season, Badiani, the award-winning Italian artisan known globally for its luxurious gelato, is proud to unveil its highly anticipated Christmas collection for 2024. 

Available across its boutique shops in London and Brighton, the collection blends timeless Italian tradition with a contemporary twist, offering a truly indulgent holiday experience.

Since its founding in Florence in 1932, Badiani has become synonymous with exceptional quality and craftsmanship. This year’s collection extends the brand’s reputation for excellence beyond gelato, featuring a curated selection of festive creations perfect for gifting or entertaining. 

From handcrafted seasonal cakes to exclusive new flavours, the collection embodies the elegance and joy of la dolce vita, presented in Badiani’s vibrant signature packaging for an extra-special festive touch.

The 2024 Christmas Collection

Panettone Classico (Serves 8)

Handcrafted in Florence using traditional methods, this classic panettone is a light, fluffy masterpiece infused with candied fruits, raisins, and zesty lemon. Ideal for serving alone or paired with Badiani’s iconic Buontalenti gelato, it’s also available by the slice in-store, topped with gelato or a choice of sauce.

Panettone Dark Chocolate (Serves 8)

This decadent alternative replaces the candied fruits with ribbons of rich dark chocolate, creating a luxurious twist on a festive favourite.

Pandoro (Serves 8)

A star of the festive table, Badiani’s Pandoro is baked in its iconic star shape, dusted with powdered sugar, and perfectly complemented by a scoop of Buontalenti gelato. Available by the slice in-store with gelato or sauce.

Mini Panettone

Classic Mini Panettone: A smaller version of the traditional Italian cake, featuring raisins, orange zest, and candied fruits in bespoke Badiani packaging.

Mini Panettone with Gelato and Sauce: An indulgent pairing of mini panettone, Buontalenti gelato, and a choice of hazelnut chocolate or pistachio sauce to be enjoyed in store.

Festive Gelato Flavours

Badiani’s artisanal gelato takes on a seasonal flair with these limited-edition creations:

Panettone Gelato: A harmonious blend of creamy indulgence with fruity and zesty notes inspired by the classic panettone.

Pandoro Gelato: Capturing the buttery richness of Pandoro in gelato form.

Mince Pie Gelato: New for 2024: reinventing the British classic with an Italian twist.

The Christmas collection is available now in Badiani’s boutique shops and online at badiani1932.com/delivery.

Why You Should Buy Your Christmas Goodies from Fitzbillies of Cambridge

Cambridge Gingerbread (c) Fitzbillies

As the festive season approaches, few places in the UK capture the cosy spirit of Christmas quite like Fitzbillies in Cambridge. 

Known for its iconic Chelsea buns and mouth-watering treats, Fitzbillies has been delighting locals and visitors since 1920. 

This family-owned bakery offers not just baked goods but a real taste of tradition, history, and craftsmanship. Here’s why Fitzbillies should be your go-to for Christmas goodies this year.

1. A Century of Tradition and Quality

Fitzbillies is no ordinary bakery. For over a century, it has mastered the art of baking, using recipes and techniques that have been passed down through generations. 

This heritage ensures that each cake, bun, and biscuit is crafted with care, offering you a truly special Christmas treat. When you buy from Fitzbillies, you're not just getting baked goods; you're enjoying the legacy of an iconic British institution.

2. Exquisite Christmas Range

The festive offerings at Fitzbillies are second to none. Their Christmas cakes, adorned with delicate icing and a rich, spiced fruit centre, are perfect for adding that extra touch of elegance to your table. The bakery also creates beautifully decorated mince pies with a buttery crust, packed with juicy, flavourful mincemeat that simply melts in your mouth. For those looking for something a bit different, their handmade stollen and seasonal biscuits make delightful gifts or treats to share with loved ones.

3. The Unmistakable Chelsea Bun

No mention of Fitzbillies would be complete without talking about their legendary Chelsea buns. Sticky, sweet, and generously filled with currants and a hint of cinnamon, these buns are unlike any other. For Christmas, why not pick up a batch to enjoy with family and friends? Finish baking them in your own oven, serve with mulled wine, and experience one of Cambridge’s finest traditions from the comfort of your home.

4. Handcrafted Gift Hampers

Fitzbillies also offers beautifully curated Christmas hampers, which make thoughtful gifts for friends, family, and colleagues. These hampers include a range of bakery favourites, such as their renowned Chelsea buns, seasonal cakes, preserves, and more. Each hamper is wrapped with a sense of care and attention to detail that reflects the spirit of Fitzbillies, allowing you to share the joy of a true Cambridge Christmas with those you cherish.

5. Sustainability and Supporting Local Business

Choosing Fitzbillies means supporting a local, family-run business that sources ingredients responsibly. Fitzbillies places a strong emphasis on sustainability, using locally-sourced produce whenever possible. By purchasing your Christmas goodies here, you’re contributing to the local economy and helping to reduce the environmental impact of mass-produced treats.

6. A Delightful Experience

The Fitzbillies experience isn’t just about delicious food; it’s about stepping into a piece of Cambridge history. Visiting the bakery during the Christmas season feels like stepping into a festive wonderland, with the scent of fresh-baked goods and seasonal spices filling the air. Whether you visit in person or order online, Fitzbillies ensures that every customer feels a part of their family.

In Summary

If you’re looking to make this Christmas truly memorable, Fitzbillies in Cambridge is the perfect place to start. With a century of baking expertise, an array of festive treats, and a commitment to quality and sustainability, Fitzbillies offers something truly special. 

From their classic Chelsea buns to their elegant Christmas cakes and hampers, each item is made with care, tradition, and a touch of Cambridge magic. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the best of British baking this festive season – and make Fitzbillies a cherished part of your Christmas tradition.

And they offer a rapid nationwide delivery service, too!

https://www.fitzbillies.com

A Homemade Christmas: The Benefits

Learning to make your own bread, biscuits, and cakes for Christmas is not only a rewarding way to embrace the season, but it also offers several benefits:

Personal Touch: Homemade gifts and treats are far more personal and meaningful. Your loved ones will appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into making something from scratch.

Customisation: When you bake at home, you can tailor your recipes to suit personal preferences or dietary requirements. Whether it’s adding more spices, less sugar, or creating gluten-free options, homemade baking gives you complete control.

Cost-Effective: Buying baked goods can add up, especially around Christmas. By making your own, you can save money and make larger batches for sharing.

Creating Traditions: There’s something special about making the same recipes year after year. These baking moments can become cherished family traditions that make Christmas even more meaningful.

Conclusion

This Christmas, why not try your hand at making your own breads, biscuits, and cakes? Whether you’re an experienced baker or a complete beginner, these recipes will help you create delicious, homemade treats that add a personal touch to your festivities. Embrace the warmth of the season, the joy of baking, and the magic of sharing your homemade creations with those you love. Happy baking!

Incidentally jazz pianist, accordion player and baker of retro treats, B. Dylan Hollis has written a book called Baking Yesteryear which is available from Amazon and all good book retailers. Here's a link to our coverage of his book:- https://thatsfoodanddrink.blogspot.com/2024/06/baking-adventures-with-b-dylan-hollis.html