History

• Panettone bread is believed to have originated in Milano, Italy in the 15th century. There are a few legends that surround the bread's origins, including one about a baker and his beautiful daughter, who caught the eye of a wealthy man. When the bakery began to lose money the wealthy man paid for butter and eventually sugar and raisins to be added to the bread, making it an instant favorite during the holiday season.

Ingredients

• Panettone bread can be made via bread machines, which arguably makes the baking process easier. A typical panettone bread machine recipe usually includes candied mixed fruit, raisins, citron, fennel seed and grated lemon zest. Basic bread ingredients are added to the machine first, such as flour, warm milk, butter and vanilla extract. After mixing for 15 to 20 minutes, the candied fruit and other items are added.

Recipes

• Along with assorted variations of panettone bread, the ingredients can also be used to create panettone bread pudding. The bread is cut up into bite-size pieces and soaked in an egg mixture, then baked until golden. Panettone bread pudding can be served warm or at room temperature. It can also be chilled and reheated for serving.