Crunch into something special: artisan Italian crackers called croccantini. Above: Tomato/Oregano.All photography by B.A. Van Sise.
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KAREN HOCHMAN is Editorial Director of THE NIBBLE.
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May 2007
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La Panzanella Croccantini
Italian Artisan Crackers
CAPSULE REPORT: Croccantini, the Italian word for “crunchy little bite,” was born to meet the needs for a high-quality cracker. They provide a “bit of Italy” to anyone looking to serve something different, tasty and versatile for casual entertaining or special lunches and dinners. They have visual allure and palate appeal, whether they’re paired with cheeses and spreads or used to make everyday soup and salad more exciting.The croccantini are made with all natural ingredients and certified kosher.
Overview
Americans love to crunch—on snack foods, bread sticks, flatbreads, crackers. And if you know where to look, there are croccantini—Italian crackers, and more specifically, the crackers made by La Panzanella, a Seattle bakery. Based on classic Italian regional recipes and using locally available ingredients—an Italian tradition—the company developed its first croccantini (crow-con-TEE-nee) ten years ago. That first, herb-flecked rustic cracker now has eight siblings.
La Panzanella’s croccantini—the name means “crunchy little bites”—are actually quite large, measuring 4" by 7". They are, however, blissfully crunchy. The artisan crackers are carefully made and packaged by hand. They are baked to order—until they a retail order is received, the crackers aren’t made. There’s no inventory sitting in the warehouse, so the preservative-free crackers are crispy on the shelf.
Rosemary, topped by Original flavor. |
Flavors
There are currently nine varieties of “crunchy little bites”:
- Black Pepper
- Fennel
- Garlic
- Onion
- Original
- Rosemary
- Sesame
- Tomato/Oregano
- Whole Wheat
Made of unbleached wheat flour, olive or canola oil, sea salt, kosher salt and seasonings, croccantini are very crisp, contributing flavors of good wheat, good sea salt, and fennel, pepper, sesame or other seasoning. They can be munched plain like their cousins, the grissini (breadsticks), or enhanced in a variety of ways.
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Serving Suggestions
Croccantini are a refreshingly different snack food or accompaniment to cheese, dips, spread and soups, or as an additional offering in the breadbasket.
- Serve them with dips and spreads.
- Offer them with cheese, especially soft cheeses like chèvre.
- Serve them with soups or salads.
- Add them to the bread basket (they will be the first to disappear).
Croccantini add a special gourmet cachet wherever they appear. Invite them often. |
Rosemary Croccantini. |
LA PANZANELLA
CROCCANTINI
Black Pepper, Fennel, Garlic,
Onion, Original, Rosemary,
Sesame, Tomato/Oregano, and
Whole Wheat
Certified kosher (parve) by
KOF-K
Also available at fine food stores nationwide.
Prices and flavor availability are verified at publication but are subject to change. |
Shown from left: Garlic, Sesame, Fennel, Black Pepper. |
© Copyright 2005-2008 Lifestyle Direct, Inc. All rights reserved. Images are copyright of their respective owners.
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