(In our house better known as the Feast Day of the 3 Kings and Little Christmas)

January 6th is known as the Epiphany across many parts of the world, but for Italian children its main significance is the celebration known as “La Befana”. Traditionally, this is the day that an elderly, witchlike woman visits houses, leaving presents for well-behaved children – a second Christmas of sorts. It’s one of the oldest and most beloved Italian traditions.

But who exactly is La Befana!

To begin it’s a most enchanting night of the year, filled with anticipation and wonder. Ah, La Befana! La Befana viene di notte con le scarpe tutte rotte, col vestito alla romana: long live La Befana! Her spirit dances through the air as the Christmas season unfolds in Italy, a cherished time that kicks off with eight days of prayer leading up to Christmas and stretches all the way to the grand celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th.

In Italy, this festive season leans more toward the spiritual rather than the secular. While the excitement of gift-giving is present, it finds its crescendo with the arrival of La Befana. You see, Italian children are no strangers to Santa Claus, or as they affectionately call him, “Babbo Natale.” They do receive small, useful gifts on Christmas Day. Yet, the real thrill comes with the arrival of La Befana. As night falls, on the eve of January 5^th, children hang their socks by the chimney, their hearts brimming with hope. They dream of La Befana filling their stockings with sweet treats and delightful surprises. But beware! For the mischievous ones, La Befana leaves a lump of hard black candy called carbone, a gentle reminder to be better in the coming year. In exchange for her generosity, the little ones leave out un goccia di grappa, some bread, sweet wine, and a piece of cheese, a warm gesture to comfort the weary traveler as she journeys through the night.

Legend has it that La Befana was once a modest old woman living in a humble shack during the time of Jesus’ birth. One fateful night, the Three Magi, on their quest to follow the Star and find the Christ child, stopped at her door seeking directions, food, and shelter. Grateful for her kindness, the Magi invited La Befana to join them on their journey to see the baby Jesus. But she, caught up in her household chores, decided to decline their invitation. But, later that very night, as she lay asleep, a brilliant light illuminated her room, startling her awake. Fear gripped her heart as she realized she had missed out on an extraordinary adventure. Determined to find the Magi and the precious Christ Child, La Befana set off, only to lose her way amidst the dark night. And so, as the tale goes on: each year, as the clock strikes midnight on January 5th, La Befana takes to the skies once more, continuing her quest for the elusive Christ Child. House by house, she visits sleeping children, leaving sweet surprises in hope that the baby Jesus might be nestled among them.

Oh, such a magical and enchanting story and tradition, sparking joy and wonder in the hearts of children. It’s a celebration that will surely continue to be cherished for many years to come, as it continues to weave its delightful magic into the very fabric of Italian culture. ✨

Growing up my “Little Nonna” would put an orange and some pieces of hard candy in our stockings, which were not elaborate decorated stockings. They would have been our usual school socks but because my Dad’s socks were longer and his foot bigger my brother and I would beg to borrow his. (That became a ritual because Dad always stalled and kidded us with excuses before giving in.) We celebrated the visit of the 3 Kings rather than LaBefana and left most of our decorations up until the 6^th.  In our house, now that all of our children are grown, we really don’t have a traditional celebration, but with most of our decorations down we do leave our Nativity up until the 6^th of January.And now you know…..

If any of the family will join us for dinner

on the 6^th, this is the dessert I make.

CIAMBELLONE WITH APRICOT PRESERVES

A sweet little dessert cake or just perfect for “merenda”, which

is the daily afternoon snack for Italians, especially the young people!

2 C. Flour
1/2 C. Sugar
1 Large Egg
1/4 C. Half and Half
1 Tbsp. Water
Extra Sugar – for sprinkling
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 C. Butter – very cold, cubed
1 tsp. Vanilla or Almond Extract
1/4 C. Apricot Preserves
1 lbs. Ricotta – drained

PREHEAT OVEN TO 375º.

Combine the flour, baking powder and ½ cup of sugar in the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times to combine.  Continue pulsing as you add the butter, one cube at a time and continue pulsing until a mixture that resembles fine gravel has formed.

In a separate bowl, combine, egg, extract, Half and Half and beat with a fork. Pour this mixture into the food processor and pulse continuously until a small ball has formed.  Remove dough from the processor and place on a lightly floured surface.  Gently shape into a log about 14-inches long and 1 ½-inches round.  Place on a buttered baking sheet and form into a ring, pressing the ends together so that they are tightly joined.  Sprinkle with additional sugar.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until it is just golden brown on the bottom.  Partially cool on a rack until lukewarm and then carefully slice. It is now perfect for “merenda”.

To serve as a dessert, add a little water to the preserves and stir to thin out a little.  Place a mound of ricotta in a shallow bowl and top with preserves. Serve the warm wedges on a dessert plate and pass the ricotta topped apricot for topping.

BUON MANGIATA!