Brutti e Buoni

The sweet to take home was born not far away, in Gavirate: Brutti e Buoni, craggy, crunchy biscuits made with almonds, hazelnuts, egg white, and sugar. The name says it all — 'ugly but good': plain to look at, wonderful to eat.

In the same tradition are amaretti, the little almond macaroons that are sweet and bitter at once. They're the right way to end a meal with a coffee, or the gift to tuck into your suitcase.