Croxetti
 Italian commercially-produced croxetti |
|
| Origin | |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Liguria |
| Type | Pasta |
Croxetti is a type of pasta consisting of flat medallion or coin-shaped pasta disks stamped by hand or machine with intricate patterns.
Contents |
[edit] Origin and history
Croxetti originated in Liguria, in Northern Italy along the border with France, during the middle ages.[1] In the past they were made by local peasants and used by aristocratic families as a display of wealth and status.[2][3]
They are similar ton another Ligurian pasta called Corzetti.
[edit] Description
Croxetti are still produced in small batches near Genoa. They are stamped and cut into circles approximately 1.75 inches (4+ cm) in diameter from flat pasta sheets with a mold to create the distinctive patterns. The combination mold/cutter may be made of hand-carved wood[1] or a bronze die.[4] The stamping may be done by hand or by machine, with the hand-stamped versions being more elaborate.[1] The detail forms ridges that allow sauce to cling and add flavor.[1]
The pasta typically has patterns on both sides, with an intricate design on one side and a simpler pattern on the other. Whereas they once featured a family coat of arms, the fancier side now features a regional coat of arms or the maker's trademark. Typical symbols on the other side are a cross (from which the name croxetti derives), fruit, family initials,[1] sailboat, mortar and pestle, sunsets, sailboats, or palm trees.[2] In Italy they may be used as wedding favors[1] or for other events, in which case an artisan craftsman is commissioned to make the die for people to prepare the pasta at home.[4]
Croxetti is usually served with a simple meat or mushroom sauce, pesto,[2] pine nut[4] or walnut sauce, fish sauce, or light cream sauce.[5] They may also be served with a simple butter or oil, possibly with herbs, or plain.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f Rebecca Ford (2007-04-14). "Recipe for Croxetti:Traditional Pasta From Liguria". Suite101.
- ^ a b c "Croxetti Hand Stamped Pasta". Savory Pantry. http://www.savorypantry.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RIT-11012&Category_Code=PAS. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
- ^ "Artisanal Pastas From Italy:Beautiful Shapes Turn A Bowl Of Pasta Into A Gourmet Experience". The Nibble. http://www.thenibble.com/reviews/main/pastas/artisanal-pasta.asp. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
- ^ a b c "The craft made pasta from Liguria". Rosmarino Farm. http://www.rosmarinofarm.com/eng/prodotti_eng_pasta.htm. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
- ^ "Croxetti". Book of Joe. 2005-03-31. http://www.bookofjoe.com/2005/03/croxetti.html. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
