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An original recipe, a blend of tradition and modernity, made with Tagliette di Guanciale Citterio and created by the historic charcuterie brand together with food stylist Chiara Pallotti.
The company also presents a Christmas Tree Raviolo: a scenic, flavourful first course made with Tagliette di Guanciale Citterio—perfect for sharing.
For Christmas 2025, Citterio, a historic Italian charcuterie company, in collaboration with food stylist Chiara Pallotti, introduces two recipes designed to celebrate conviviality and the pleasure of experimenting in the kitchen, while preserving the solid bond with Italian tradition: the savory nougat with Tagliette di Guanciale, an ideal creative and innovative appetizer, and the Christmas Tree Raviolo, a scenic dish full of flavour.
The savory nougat is a reinterpretation of one of the most iconic Christmas sweets, transforming it into an elegant and surprising appetizer. Its structure is created with a rich, velvety mixture of Fontina Valdostana cheese and fresh cream, incorporated gently to obtain a soft and compact texture reminiscent of traditional nougat.
The “crunchy” element, which in the sweet version is usually given by almonds or hazelnuts, is reimagined through an unusual yet balanced pairing: Tagliette di Guanciale. Pan-fried until intensely crispy, they become an aromatic, savoury component that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the cheese mixture. Alongside the guanciale, pistachios, fresh pear and dried figs add a fruity and slightly sweet note—an echo of classic nougat, yet with a completely new freshness. Pink peppercorns complete the dish with a floral, lightly spicy touch.
Beyond its gastronomic value, this savory nougat reflects a desire to innovate without betraying the memory of Christmas. While it looks like a traditional pastry nougat, when sliced it reveals soft layers and unexpected ingredients, playing with contrasts between cheese and cream, fruit and guanciale. Its convivial nature makes it perfect served cold in thick slices as an entrée, or transformed into refined finger food—ideal to open a festive lunch or dinner, paired with multigrain or walnut bread.
Alongside this proposal, the Christmas Tree Raviolo pays homage to creativity in the kitchen and the beauty of the festive table. It is a fresh pasta shaped like a small Christmas tree and filled with potatoes, ricotta and pecorino, then served with butter, sage and topped with crispy Tagliette di Guanciale. The dish plays on the contrast between the soft pasta and filling and the savoury crunch of the guanciale, which adds aroma and texture. The plating, carefully curated, transforms the raviolo into a decorative element—perfect for surprising guests with a scenic and festive touch.
“I wanted to create two dishes that represent Christmas in all its nuances: conviviality, warmth and authentic flavour,” explains Chiara Pallotti. “Citterio’s Tagliette di Guanciale are the perfect ingredient to add character and crispness while maintaining balance and harmony. The Savory Nougat and the Christmas Tree Raviolone are two different ways to reinterpret tradition with creativity and lightness, bringing something new yet familiar to the table.”
Citterio’s Tagliette di Guanciale, made from 100% Italian pork, are designed for those who love experimenting in the kitchen without compromising on quality. The thicker cut and knife-work enhance the authentic flavour and versatility of the product, available in a practical 90-gram format—ideal for home cooking or special occasions.
For over 150 years, Citterio has represented one of the excellences of Italian charcuterie, synonymous with passion, research and respect for tradition. With these new culinary proposals, the company continues its mission of enhancing local flavours through gastronomic creativity, offering innovative ideas to make Christmas 2025 even more delicious and convivial.
RECIPES
SAVORY NOUGAT WITH TAGLIETTE DI GUANCIALE CITTERIO
INGREDIENTS FOR 6 PEOPLE
400 g Fontina Valdostana
300 g fresh cream
1 egg yolk
10 g gelatin
70 g pistachios
1 pear
5 dried figs
2 packs of Tagliette di Guanciale Citterio 90 g
Pink pepper to taste
Difficulty: medium
Time: 2 hours + 12 hours resting
Method:
Dice the Fontina (without rind) and soak it in fresh cream for 4 hours. Heat the mixture over a bain-marie until fully melted. Soak the gelatin in cold water, then add it—well drained—to the cheese mixture and melt completely. Add the egg yolk and let cool for 30 minutes. Pan-fry the Tagliette di Guanciale Citterio without added fat until perfectly crisp, then drain on paper towel. Wash and core the pear, dice it finely along with the dried figs. Add half the crispy guanciale, chopped pistachios, pear cubes, fig pieces and pink pepper to the cheese mixture. Pour into a loaf pan lined with baking paper or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours. Decorate with the remaining guanciale and rosemary. Serve cold with multigrain or walnut bread.
CHRISTMAS TREE RAVIOLO WITH TAGLIETTE DI GUANCIALE CITTERIO
INGREDIENTS FOR 4 PEOPLE
For the pasta:
300 g type 0 flour
2 eggs
60 g spinach purée
1 tbsp oil
For the filling:
250 g sheep’s ricotta
30 g pecorino
1 small potato
Salt, pepper, nutmeg
2 packs of Tagliette di Guanciale Citterio
60 g butter
Sage leaves
Parmigiano Reggiano
Difficulty: medium
Time: 2 hours
Method:
Blend boiled spinach with water to form a smooth green cream. Place the flour on a board, make a well, add eggs, oil and the spinach cream. Mix and knead for 10 minutes, adding warm water if needed. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling by mixing ricotta, boiled mashed potato, pecorino, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Roll out the dough using a pasta machine, forming a long 8×30 cm rectangle. Pipe the filling along the centre, fold over and seal carefully. Trim excess dough and fold to form a small Christmas-tree shape. Dust with flour and rest for 1 hour.
Cook the ravioli in salted boiling water in a wide pot. Pan-fry the Tagliette di Guanciale until crispy. Melt the butter with sage. Serve the ravioli with melted butter, crispy guanciale, pepper and Parmigiano Reggiano.
For information:
Encanto Public Relations – 02 66983707
Isaac Cozzi - isaac.cozzi@encantopr.it