Ciao a tutti!
Confetti are traditional treats from Italy. They are widely known all over Italy and have been used since ancient times as a type of candy. What they are is actually almonds covered in pure white sugar. They were usually eaten among noble families and are used to decorate pastries and cakes.
The most famous type comes from the region of Abruzzo, the town of Sulmona being the world capital of Confetti, where the traditional recipe still has a strong influence in the area. Different colors and the number of confetti being given represent the occasion they are being used in. For example, confetti in the color white were given as gifts during a wedding.
Every year over 500 tons in every color and shape are made. Traditional production time usually took 2-3 days and consisted of pouring the almonds into a large bowl-type machine, called a caldaia, turning the machine over letting the sugar melt onto the almonds.
But are they naturally vegan?? The original recipe from Sulmona calls for almonds, water and sugar only; there is no flour, no yeast, no other added ingredients, however many candy makers have adopted recipes that do include flour or starch or other ingredients. Many that have added colors have ingredients that are chemical-based and some companies mass produce the confetti in huge manufacturing plants. There are also several different varieties that exist today, some being covered in chocolate, then covered in sugar; some have a pistachio nut inside.
If you are looking for the authentic, vegan confetti, try looking for a product that is artiginale or fatto a mano, which means they are made by hand usually in very small operations of two or three people. Otherwise, just check the labels to make sure they have not been coated or dipped in honey, milk (which is sometimes in the chocolate ones) or other animal-based substances.
Here are the most popular gift giving and occasions for when you might want to use the confetti:
White for weddings, first communion or 60th anniversary or anniversaries occurring after that
Blue baptism of a baby boy or 35th anniversary
Pink baptism of a baby girl
Green wedding proposal or 40th anniversary
Red graduation or birthdays
Beige 15th anniversary
Yellow 20th anniversary
Silver 25th anniversary
Aquamarine 30th anniversary
Gold 50th anniversary
Ivory 55th anniversary
Numbers also have a significant role in giving confetti.
–5 symbolizes fertility, long life, health, wealth and happiness
–3 symbolizes a couple and son/daughter
–1 symbolizes that the occasion is special or unique
And the package they usually come in? Termed bomboniera, from the French bombonniere, it simply means precious little box. A safe place to keep the important confetti! Enjoy!
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