Cavallucci facts for kids
![]() Cavallucci
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Type | Biscuit |
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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.