Stefano Angelucci operates a mobile candy stand called Il Caramella out of a converted RV parked next to Città della Pieve Museum in Umbria. People are drawn to it with a whiff of the sweet aroma of the nuts that spin in the nut roaster on the counter. But it’s his wide selection of nut brittles, licorice, nougat, lollipops, chocolates, sodas, marzipan, and cookies that make up his candy panorama. Stefano takes full advantage of his proximity to the town’s Infiorata di San Luigi Gonzaga Festival. Once a year it’s main street is decorated with coat of arms designs and biblical scenes made entirely of colorful flower petals, crushed seeds, leaves and local herbs. This natural albeit temporary material provides a full spectrum palette needed for these illustrations. The event attracts many hungry tourists. Stefano will slice off and weigh whatever length of brittle or ‘carmella’ they want. My favorite is the praline and hazelnut brittle called ‘niccoiole pralinate’. He also has almond cakes called ‘croccante’ and a bitter chocolate and coconut mixture called ‘cioccolato al cocco’. Also popular is ‘brigidini’, an anise-flavored wafer unique to the region. Stefano is a happy guy with a sweet tooth. |
