The Sweet Tradition of Levanto: A Classic Italian Pastry for Christmas Eve

Levanto is a type of Italian pastry that is traditionally served on Christmas Eve. It is a sweet bread that is flavored with anise and shaped into a variety of forms, such as braids, rings, or shells. The dough is typically made with flour, sugar, eggs, and anise seeds, and it is often topped with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Levanto is a popular holiday treat in Italy, particularly in the northern regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. It is often served with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.

The name "levanto" is derived from the Italian word for "raised," which refers to the fact that the dough is typically risen before being baked. This gives the pastry its characteristic light and airy texture, as well as its sweet and delicate flavor.