Pitta ’mpigliata Calabrese (Traditional Italian Calabrian Honey, Walnut and Spice Pastry) Traditional Italian Calabrian Honey, Walnut and Spice Pastry Story of the Dish Pitta ’mpigliata belongs to the festive baking traditions of Calabria and has long been linked with Christmas, weddings, and important family occasions. Like many Southern Italian celebration desserts, it relies on ingredients that could be stored: dried fruit, nuts, flour, spices, honey, wine, and olive oil.

Story of the Dish This composed salad uses duck breast as the savory anchor and watermelon as the cooling counterpoint. Radicchio introduces bitterness, walnuts provide texture, and the rendered duck fat gives the plate a richness that would be too heavy without acidity and fruit. The dish works best when the duck is treated like a proper main protein rather than a garnish. The skin must render slowly and become crisp while the center remains rosy. The watermelon and radicchi