- Croxetti
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Croxetti is a unique type of pasta consisting of flat medallion or coin-shaped pasta disks stamped by hand or machine with intricate patterns.
Contents
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 seem as an another ligurian pasta called Corzetti.
Description
Croxetti are still produced in small batches near Genova, Italy. 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.
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.
See also
Categories:- Pasta
- Ligurian cuisine
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