Brasadé

Brasadè are traditional doughnut-shaped biscuits from Oltrepò Pavese, a dessert that has deep roots in the local culture. Their particular cooking method, which involves first boiling in water and then baking in the oven, is designed to ensure that the dessert can remain fresh and tasty for a long time. This characteristic makes them ideal for being preserved and consumed even in the days following preparation.

In the past, brasadè were often used as gifts by people of modest economic conditions for confirmations, a symbol of good wishes and auspiciousness for the young people who received this sacrament. Furthermore, they were also worn by little girls, who hung them around their necks like real necklaces. Their meaning goes beyond the simple sweet: brasadè were prepared on special occasions, to celebrate significant moments, such as births, weddings and other celebrations, which is why they are also known as “sweets of the people”.

According to tradition, these sweets are still sold tied together on a cotton thread, in a particular order: five brasadè are threaded with the flat part facing the same side, while the other five are arranged with the flat part facing the other direction. The eleventh one is used to tie and close the thread, thus forming a necklace of brasadè.