La Befana is Here!??

An Italian tradition

La Befana is a much-loved holiday character who flies through the air on Epiphany’s eve, filling nice children’s stockings with goodies – and leaving coal for the naughty ones! Depicted as a friendly old witch, la Befana’s story begins when she passes on an invitation to follow the Magi, who were bringing gifts to baby Jesus. Regretting her decision, she decides to search for the newborn herself.

She takes to the sky on her broom, following the star to find the Child.

Along the way, just to make sure she’s covered her bases, she leaves sweet treats for all the good children she finds!

Hanging stockings?

La Befana is a figure in Italian folklore who is said to bring gifts to children on the night of January 5th.

The holiday is similar to Christmas, with children hanging their stockings on the evening of January 5th, hoping that la Befana will fill them with sweets and small gifts. The holiday is a time of celebration and joy in Italy, and people of all ages enjoy it.

Kids leave their stockings hanging on the 5th, and they wake up on the 6th with either candies and chocolate if they were “good” kids, or coal if they were “bad.” Fun Fact: you will often see carbon being placed in the kid’s stockings, but no worries, it is almost always SWEET COAL CANDY.

Pranzo all'Italiana to close the holiday season

We invite you to partake in this beloved tradition and close your holiday season in La Befana style – with a delicious Italian meal!

The Menu:

• Pasta al Forno (Oven-Baked Pasta)
• Arrosto (Roast Beef with Mesquite Infused EVOO)
• Italian Truffle Infused Mashed Potatoes

Pasta al Forno (Oven-Baked Pasta)

“Pasta al forno” is a type of baked pasta dish that is typically made with a tomato or cream-based sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients such as meat or vegetables. The combination of the spicy sauce, the creamy cheese, and the flavorful white truffle can make for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Arrosto (Roast Beef with Mesquite Infused EVOO)

To bring this juicy roast to the table, you just need a few gestures and only seven ingredients. Thanks to our fragrant Mesquite Smoked Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil used both in cooking and as a finishing touch, you won’t need long marinations to flavor the meat. With the delicate aroma of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil IGP Sicilia, on the other hand, you will have delicious roasted carrots in an instant.

Italian Truffle Infused Mashed Potatoes

A delicate, tasty and delicious cloud of mashed potatoes, prepared with our Everyday Kitchen Olive Oil which, with its versatility, lends itself to the creation of the most diverse dishes.

Let la Befana fill your stocking with all the goodies for your Italian Epiphany meal! Shop now.