When Halloween arrives in Italy, the atmosphere feels a little different from what most Americans are used to. While in the U.S. this holiday is filled with costumes and candy, in Italy it’s a time to honor loved ones who have passed and of course, to celebrate through food. Around November 1st and 2nd, during Ognissanti (All Saints’ Day) and Giorno dei Morti (All Souls’ Day), Italian homes fill with the sweet aroma of traditional pastries known as “Dolci dei Morti” the sweets of the dead.
These desserts are not spooky at all; instead, they’re comforting, rich with memory, and deeply rooted in Italian tradition. Let’s discover some of the most iconic ones and how they pair beautifully with a fine Italian grappa.
Fave dei Morti: The Almond Cookies of Remembrance
Soft, crumbly, and delicately sweet, Fave dei Morti (“Beans of the Dead”) are small almond cookies prepared to remember ancestors with love. Originating in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Emilia-Romagna, these cookies have been baked in Italian homes for centuries during early November.
Their name comes from the shape, which resembles the fava bean, a legume symbolizing life and rebirth since ancient times.
Here’s how they’re made:
Ingredients:
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200 g almond flour
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150 g sugar
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2 egg whites
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Zest of one lemon
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A few drops of almond extract
Instructions:
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Mix almond flour and sugar in a bowl.
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Add the egg whites, lemon zest, and almond extract.
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Shape small oval cookies and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden.
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Let cool and enjoy with a small glass of Italian grappa for the perfect after-dinner pairing.
The balance of sweetness and almond flavor pairs wonderfully with a fine Grappa from our Luxury Collection a spirit that enhances the cookie’s nutty aroma while warming the palate.
Pane dei Morti: The Sweet Bread of Memory
Another beloved recipe is the Pane dei Morti (“Bread of the Dead”), typical of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. Despite its name, this is not bread but a rich, chewy cookie made from a mix of dried figs, raisins, cocoa, and spices.
Each region has its own variation, but the essence is the same: it’s a dessert meant to nourish the soul and connect generations. Italians often prepare it in the days leading up to All Saints’ Day, sharing it at family gatherings along with a warm espresso or a glass of grappa.
The combination of sweet dried fruits, chocolate, and cinnamon creates a deep, comforting flavor, the kind of dessert that makes you feel at home even miles away from Italy.
The Perfect Italian Pairing: Grappa
In Italy, no autumn dessert is complete without a little glass of grappa, the elegant distilled spirit made from grape pomace after winemaking. Its warm, aromatic notes make it the perfect after-dinner companion for traditional treats like Fave dei Morti and Pane dei Morti.
Try pairing your homemade cookies with a premium bottle from our Luxury Grappa Collection smooth, refined, and full of character, just like the Italian heritage it represents.
Italian Halloween: A Celebration of Flavor and Memory
While American Halloween is about costumes and candy, in Italy it’s a season of remembrance and taste, where every bite tells a story. The Dolci dei Morti remind us that food connects the past and present, keeping traditions alive with every crumb.
So this Halloween, try baking one of these classic Italian sweets, pour yourself a glass of grappa, and celebrate la dolce vita: Italian style.
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