I learned about bugie (boo-gee-eh), a dessert you can only get during Carnival. They’re pieces of fried dough cut into zig-zag shapes and topped with powdered sugar, so light and flaky that you’ll get sugar everywhere. Some are filled with jam, chocolate, or hazelnut cream (a Piedmontese specialty). Traditionally, they’re a dessert served with coffee, but honestly, they make a perfect after-school snack. Almost every bakery in my town sells them this time of year!
During Carnival, a Catholic holiday celebrated in the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday, festivities fill the streets with music, dancing, and, of course, food. While places like Rio de Janeiro and Venice are known for their grand parades, Carnival is also celebrated in smaller, more intimate ways. In Italy, a deeply Catholic country, these traditions have become part of the culture, even for those who aren’t religious. One way this is reflected is through food. Bugie have ancient roots, dating back to a time when large batches of this simple dough (made from wheat, eggs, butter, and sugar) were prepared and shared with crowds during celebrations.
Have you ever tried something like this? What do you think bugie taste like?
