Many holidays in Italy are usually accompanied by culinary tradition, and Carnevale is no exception. During this mardi gras period in the peninsula, delightful sweet, crispy strips known as chiacchiere make their appearance in many pasticcerie and home bakeries. They are fried treats that go by many names and shapes throughout the Belpaese.

Their moniker translates to “chit-chat,” perfectly suited to the delicious crunch they make when you bite into them, almost sounding like chatter. Their origin dates back 2000 years to ancient Rome, where during the Liberalia end-of-winter celebrations, fritters known as frictilia were made.