Pandoro vs. Panettone

"They look almost the same."

My homestay dad's face was full of disappointment.

"...but I'm sure they're really different."

The "war" that is going on in my house is one that likely occurs every Natale: il pandoro vs. il panettone.

Il pandoro is a sweet bread with some powdered sugar on it. Il panettone is a sweet bread with raisins and candied fruits in it. The two are similarly shaped.

Il panettone [from google images]

Il pandoro [from google images]

In my opinion, they're pretty similar.

I was able to try both. The question remained: Did I prefer il pandoro o il panettone? My homestay dad was team panettone and the rest of my Italian family was on team pandoro.

"Mi piace.... tutti due," I replied to the dissatisfaction of everyone except la nonna, who had given me the response. Honestly, in my opinion, both of the cakes needed some chocolate.

My homestay family asked me about traditional Christmas desserts in America. I tried to explain "Christmas cookies."

"You mean that only the shape is different?" my homestay mom asked. She didn't seem to appreciate the significance in getting to cut and decorate Christmas cookies into different forms.

Oh well. I think their Christmas desserts are a bit strange and they think that my Christmas desserts are strange. Va bene. The main thing is that I am very glad that Christmas cheer starts early here. And I'm glad that I bought a beanie for only one euro. My ears and my wallet are happy. The only downside to the Italian Christmas season... my jeans are getting tight. O Mamma Mia!

Which seasonal dessert is your favorite?