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Cavallucci facts for kids

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Cavallucci
Cavallucci (24190614015).jpg
Cavallucci
Type Biscuit
Place of origin Italy
Region or state Siena
Main ingredients Anise seeds, almonds, candied fruits, coriander, flour, Tuscan millefiori honey

Cavallucci are special Italian cookies. They are a traditional Christmas treat. These chewy biscuits come from Siena, a city in Italy. Their name means "little horses." They are made with tasty ingredients like anise seeds, almonds, and candied fruits. A key ingredient is Tuscan millefiori honey, which is a mix of honey from many different flowers.

A Sweet History Lesson

Cavallucci cookies have a long history. They were first made a very long time ago. Some people say they were even around during the time of Lorenzo the Magnificent. He was a powerful leader in Italy from 1449 to 1492. Back then, these cookies were called biriquocoli.

Why "Little Horses"?

There are a few fun ideas about how Cavallucci got their name.

  • One idea is that the first cookies had a horse shape pressed into them. The Italian word for horses is cavalli.
  • Another story says that these cookies were given to travelers riding horses. They were a good snack for long journeys.
  • Some people believe postal workers, who delivered mail on horseback, ate them often.
  • It's also thought that servants working in horse stables in Siena enjoyed them. Siena is famous for its horse races!

How to Enjoy Cavallucci

These delicious cookies are often served with a sweet dessert wine. A popular choice is Vin Santo, which is a special Italian wine. People often dip the Cavallucci into the wine before taking a bite.

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