Among the many regional desserts that dot Italy’s culinary map, semolini dolci from Piedmont andcrema fritta from Abruzzo are two examples of how texture, tradition, and indulgence come together in fried form.

Though they come from different corners of the country, these two sweets share both their preparation method  and their  cultural role as rich, celebratory treats tied to childhood, family, and the kind of cooking that leaves a lasting impression. They are not everyday dishes, nor are they particularly rustic or frugal: they are complex enough to require time and attention, and decadent enough to feel like a reward.