The Gentleman’s Christmas of Michel Favuzzi

For the holidays, we wanted to hear from some of Gentologie’s friends and collaborators. We asked them how they celebrated their Christmas. We called this ‘The Gentleman’s Christmas of…’ because Christmas is all about being a gentleman (if you’re wondering how, we have some tips here). We’re starting this series with The Gentleman’s Christmas from Michel Favuzzi of artisan Italian products distributor and manufacturer Famiglia Favuzzi. By the way, they’re holding their big annual sale, where you can buy most of their products, on December 6 and 7. Don’t miss out!

The Gentleman’s Christmas of Michel Favuzzi

What does Christmas mean to you?

For me, Christmas is a family Sunday with a special touch. Every Sunday, we get together at my parents’ with my sister and her partner to share a meal. At Christmas, it’s the same thing, but we add festive decor, elegant outfits and an even bigger menu. It’s also a special time to catch up with my in-laws, who live in the region. It’s precious, especially for my children, who stay in touch with their roots. Christmas also means going to the Italian midnight mass, where my mum sings in the choir. It’s a tradition that adds a wonderful spiritual dimension to the celebration.

How is Christmas spent in your family?

It’s a feast that goes on for hours, punctuated by conversation, laughter and memories. My mother spends days in the kitchen preparing a sumptuous meal, and it’s the same with my mother-in-law. On Christmas Eve, it’s a big meal of seafood and fish. On Christmas Day, it’s a table overflowing with dishes typical of Puglia, our home region.

What does your family eat at Christmas?

The menu is rich and varied. On Christmas Eve, it’s all about seafood: prawns, squid, octopus, oysters, accompanied by calzones with onions, olives and anchovies, panzerotti, and orecchiette with rapini, a must-try specialty from Puglia (read Mr. Favuzzi’s article on this region, Puglia). For dessert, enjoy almond-based sweets and carteddate, a typical Puglian dessert of fried pastry with grape must.

Christmas Day is a classic Italian feast:

• Antipasti with cold meats, cheeses, and vegetables marinated in olive oil (zucchini, artichokes, tomatoes).
• Homemade ragù, grilled meats, jacket potatoes and salads.
• For dessert: panettone, roasted chestnuts, seasonal fruit and more carteddate.

What does your family drink at Christmas?

We like to toast with red or white wine, but this year our new Favuzzi non-alcoholic sparkling wine will have a place of honour. It’s the perfect option for savouring the moment in moderation.

What would you like to receive for Christmas?

I’m easy to fill: a t-shirt or a good pair of socks to train in, and I’m happy. I like anything that motivates me to get moving.

What do you like to give at Christmas?

I like to give culinary experiences: a Favuzzi hamper is always appreciated. And of course, I love giving a panettone, pandoro or panforte, Italian sweets that are perfect for sharing the magic of the festive season.

What are your Christmas wishes for Gentologie readers?

I wish them to spend warm, authentic moments with their loved ones, to savour every moment and to find joy in the little things.

What are the essentials to buy from Favuzzi for the holidays?

For a great Christmas, here are my must-haves:

• Favuzzi non-alcoholic sparkling wine, perfect for toasts.
• Favuzzi extra virgin olive oil, an essential to enhance your dishes.
• Homemade panettone, for a classic and irresistible sweet finish.
• Pandoro and panforte, to add even more indulgence to your festivities.

We hope you enjoyed The Gentleman’s Christmas of Michel Favuzzi. To find out more about Famiglia Favuzzi, click here.