Castel Frentano is a spectacular rural town in the beautiful Abruzzese area of Italy. The town dates back to the 13th century and is surrounded by majestic mountains as well as the amazing Adriatic Sea. While these natural and historic wonders are hidden treasures of their own, the bocconotto stands tall as a traditional and delicious jewel.
The first time I had a bocconotto was when I visited Castel Frentano, my husband’s home town as a young bride. I come from a family of home bakers but I must say that I was astounded by the bocconotto and still am, as one of the most delicious of treats. If you are a chocolate lover hold on to your seats, this is a chocolate lovers dream!
Bocconotti are filled with lots of chocolate, almonds, and jam. There are many variations of the recipe that are secretly guarded by generations of bakers in Castel Frentano. The most difficult part to master is the pastry shell. It is a cross between a cookie and a pie crust. Biting into a bocconotto is an enticing melt in your mouth experience. If you can get a family member or a friend to give you the recipe that would be the most authentic, although you can find versions of the recipe online.
Celebrations in Castel Frentano often include bocconotti, they are the centerpiece of any dessert table. Mostly they are part of the many vibrant and original celebrations of the amazing Abruzzo region. I hope you will visit Castel Frentano, in the province of Chieti on your next trip to Italy, and make sure to have a bocconotto while you are there!
About the Author: Joanne Natale Spigonardo.
Joanne has many years of experience in travel to Italy, Italian art, history wine and cuisine. She is an advocate for Italian immigrant women, and the author of White Widow, which is available on Amazon. For more information about Joanne please visit her Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-spigonardo-b4824a9/
Joanne Spigonardo
Business Development Consultant
Specializing in Sustainability, Higher Education, Career Management, and Public Relations
In her former roles, Joanne served as Senior Associate Director at the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) at Wharton. Joanne was also part of the Communications Office. She held positions as business manager of the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists and for the Wharton Alumni Magazine. Joanne also served as the media relations coordinator. When with Alitalia Airlines, Joanne worked as a sales representative.
Joanne graduated from The University of Pennsylvania with a BA and later graduated from the Wharton Aresty Institute of Executive Education. She has a strong background in development, management, marketing, and Italian language and culture.
As a Wharton Mentor, she coached new employees on professional development, and is active in Penn’s Grievance panels. Joanne was on the board of governors for the University Club. Joanne is chair of the Delaware County Penn Alumni Interview Program and oversees alumni volunteers. As an alum of Penn and Wharton, and also a parent of two Penn graduates, she is a strong advocate in promoting Penn.
At Wharton IGEL, Joanne had been in partnership with GreenBiz, Sustainable Brands, the Ethical Corporation, Pira Packaging International, Public Relations Society of America, the Green Sports Alliance, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, the Italian Consulate, the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Sonoma County Winegrowers Association, and the Nature Conservancy, as well as, many other NGO and government offices. She has brokered hundreds of corporate relationships for Wharton.
Joanne is the author of her book, White Widow, published on Kindle and Amazon. The book is a fictional novel about 19th-20th Century Italian immigrants. https://www.amazon.com/White-Widow-Joanne-Natale-Spigonardo/dp/B085DT65DB
View more posts
Hidden Treasures of Italy 