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Nancy Harmon Jenkins's avatar

Thanks for this! I'm looking forward to the recipe for befana biscotti. In all my decades in Italy I have watched La Befana fade into the night sky while Christmas itself, a true northern Christmas, with sparkly lights and trees and Santas rewarding human greed, has taken over. Also in Spain, I believe, and quite possibly elsewhere too. (A Christmas tree in Chennai/Madras 20 years ago was a revelation, though my hosts assured me it was an ancient tradition.) I have comforted myself with the thought that human cultures are constantly expanding, colliding, assimilating, melting into one another, but still. . . part of me regrets to see Christmas commerce invading hitherto more private spaces.

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Elisabeth Luard's avatar

Coming up right now, Nancy, just in time! btw - the decorated tree in anticipation of spring goes way back into the mot (aka mists of time), so maybe the tree in Chenna/Madras is within its rights.

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Lolly Martyn's avatar

Your gallette illustrations are stunning! I also wrote about the beloved befana hag in Italy. Buon epifania!

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Amie McGraham's avatar

I always enjoy learning how food culture is entwined in celebrations. Thank you for the back story!

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Sudi Pigott's avatar

Exquisite drawings as ever Elisabeth. Happy New Year even though I am without Galette myself. I hope to see you soon x

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Diary Of A Custard Lover's avatar

Love a slice of galette!

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