Chiacchiere: The Sweet of Carnival

During Carnevale, especially in February, Italian bakeries fill with a crispy, fried dessert called Chiacchiere.

They are known by different names depending on the region: frappe, bugie, crostoli. But they all share the same idea: thin fried dough dusted with powdered sugar.

They are traditionally made before Lent, as Carnival is a period of celebration before fasting.

🧂 Ingredients (for 6 people)

• 300 g flour

• 50 g sugar

• 2 eggs

• 50 g butter

• 2 tbsp grappa or white wine

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Oil for frying

• Powdered sugar

  
  

🍩 Preparation

1. Mix flour and sugar.

2. Add eggs, butter, and grappa.

3. Knead until smooth.

4. Roll thin and cut into strips.

5. Fry until golden.

6. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

   
   

Grammar Hint

Carnival conversations often use present tense for traditions:

• A Carnevale si mangiano le chiacchiere.

  
  

Notice the “si” passive construction:

• Si mangiano (They are eaten / People eat)

  
  

This structure is extremely common in cultural descriptions.

If you'd like to practice cooking vocabulary and imperative forms, that’s something we explore in lessons too.

👉 Book your Italian lesson and learn through food.