In all the hullabaloo that is the holiday planning, you’re probably not thinking about what treats to set out on Christmas Eve. However, in a year (or decade) that just needs a little sparkle to counteract COVID, maybe you need to start thinking big. This isn’t a year to leave out stale chocolate chip for Santa y’all. No one wants to invite that bad juju! So, if you’re looking to turn up the boujee for your Santa’s treats, I’ve got some ideas for you… and yes, three of the four happen to be Italian because I’m hearkening back to my roots with this list!
If you’re in the mood to give Santa some variety, take a loop down to St. Pete Beach to La Casa del Pane. This small Italian market blocks from the sand is not just deliziosa when it comes to sandwiches to go, they also have an extensive cookie section. Santa would be proud! Go for a festive plate with pistachio cookies, Italian sandwich cookies with apricot, and a chocolate-dipped almond horn. Leave Santa some classic reading material, a la Kipling and Barrie, next to the treats and you might just catch him taking a break before the next house.
If you want to go a little more unconventional with your sugary snack, pop over to Sorrento Sweets on Central for a lobster tail filled with French cream. Santa better come hungry, because this treat is certainly large enough for two meals, or leftovers for Blitzen. Order yourself some extra and you can enjoy while perusing the tree Christmas morning.
If you’re really feeling creative (and brave around Christmas time), check out Mazzaro’s Italian Market for cannoli. No self-respecting Santa could turn their nose up at a delicious pastry stuffed with cream (and a hint of almond paste), then sprinkled with either pistachio or chocolate chips. It makes for a sweet treat that can’t be beat! No lie, you might sneak out before Santa makes his rounds to maybe steal just one.
Finally, Santa can’t survive on sugar alone, so be sure to leave him a nice warm cup of Embrew tea. If you’re feeling extra festive, make it the Peppermint Earl Grey. Serve it up in a festive mug of sorts. Alas a partridge in a pear tree was unavailable, so a peacock mug had to do!
If you can’t wait until January to see what I’m eating, then check more content out on Instagram or Facebook @baybeswhobrunch or contact me at [email protected] . In the meantime, if you need me you can find me standing on a barstool or holding my food up to a pretty wall with a camera in my hand around the Bay and beyond!
