Celebrate the Season With Authentic Italian Christmas Cookies From DeStefano’s Market

The holidays are sweeter when they’re shared—and nothing brings people together like a box of truly authentic Italian Christmas cookies. This year, DeStefano’s Italian Bakery team, at DeStefano’s Market in Portsmouth, NH, is offering handcrafted holiday cookie boxes made the old-fashioned way: small batch, high-quality ingredients, and unmistakable Italian flair.

Whether you’re gifting to family, bringing a treat to the office, or indulging at home, our Italian holiday cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the season.

🎁 Italian Christmas Cookie Boxes Now Available

We’re excited to offer two beautifully boxed assortments featuring some of Italy’s most beloved holiday cookies. Every cookie is baked fresh in-house by our bakery team.

10-Piece Italian Christmas Cookie Box — $19.99

Includes 2 of each cookie:

• Black & White Cookies
• Lemon Crinkle Cookies
• Pignoli Cookies
• Pizzicati (Italian Pinch Cookies)
• Rainbow Cookies

15-Piece Italian Christmas Cookie Box — $27.99

Includes 3 of each cookie:

• Black & White Cookies
• Lemon Crinkle Cookies
• Pignoli Cookies
• Pizzicati (Italian Pinch Cookies)
• Rainbow Cookies

🍪 What’s Inside: A Taste of Italy in Every Bite

Pignoli Cookies

A holiday classic made with almond paste and rolled in pine nuts, these cookies are chewy, rich, and unforgettable.

Pizzicati (Italian Pinch Cookies)

Also known as Italian pinch cookies, pizzicati feature buttery dough folded around apricot jam filling. Simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Rainbow Cookies

Layers of almond cake in festive colors, filled with apricot jam and topped with chocolate—an essential cookie on any Italian Christmas tray.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Soft, citrusy, and coated in powdered sugar. A bright and refreshing addition to your holiday cookie spread.

Black & White Cookies

A New York–Italian bakery staple with half vanilla icing and half chocolate icing. Soft, cakey, and absolutely delicious.

🎄 Perfect for Gifting, Parties & Holiday Traditions

Our Italian Christmas cookie boxes make thoughtful gifts for:

• Family and friends
• Teachers and coworkers
• Holiday parties and hosts
• Office celebrations
• Festive dessert tables

If you’re searching for Italian cookies, pizzicati cookies, pignoli cookies, rainbow cookies, or the best Italian Christmas cookie assortments in the area, DeStefano’s Market is your local holiday destination.

📍 Visit Us or Order by Phone

DeStefano’s Market
517 Middle St
Portsmouth, NH

Stop in to pick up your cookie boxes, or call ahead to reserve yours—perfect for the busy holiday season.

📞 Call to Order: 603-380-9965

Our cookie boxes are made fresh daily in limited batches. Ordering ahead is highly recommended!

⭐ Make Your Holidays Deliciously Italian

Where Can I Find Panettone?

If you’re searching for authentic Italian panettone this holiday season, you can find a full selection right here in Portsmouth at Destefano’s Market. We proudly stock premium imported varieties from Chiostro di Saronno, one of Italy’s most respected panettone producers.

Visit us at:
Destefano’s Market
517 Middle St, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: 603-380-9965
Website: DestefanosMarket.com

Panettone Varieties Currently in Stock

Chiostro di Saronno Limoncello Panettone

A beautifully aromatic panettone infused with bright Italian limoncello. Soft, fluffy, and citrus-forward — perfect as a dessert or holiday gift.

Chiostro di Saronno Mini Pistachio Panettone

This individual-sized treat is filled with rich pistachio cream. Ideal for stocking stuffers, holiday baskets, or a personal indulgence.

Chiostro di Saronno Panettone Milano Olympics Edition

A special commemorative edition celebrating Milano’s rich heritage. Classic texture with premium candied fruit, wrapped in collectible packaging.

Chiostro di Saronno Classic Panettone

The timeless Italian holiday panettone—naturally leavened and enriched with golden raisins and candied orange peel. A must-have Christmas tradition.

Stop by Destefano’s Market to shop our full holiday bakery lineup, or call ahead to reserve your panettone.

Brand Spotlight: Baladin – Italy’s Iconic Craft Beer & Soda

Founded in Italy, Baladin is one of the most influential and respected names in the Italian craft beverage movement.
The brand has grown from a small brewery into a symbol of creativity, traditional Italian craftsmanship, and exceptional quality.
Baladin produces a wide range of artisanal beers and craft sodas, all rooted in Italian flavor, ingredients, and culinary culture.

Baladin’s philosophy focuses on quality, sustainability, and natural ingredients.
They work closely with Italian farmers to source grains, herbs, hops, and fruits grown locally across Italy.
This farm-to-bottle approach has earned Baladin global recognition, and their beverages are now enjoyed in restaurants, bars, and specialty shops around the world.

What Makes Baladin Unique?

• Craft production and small-batch methods
• Made entirely in Italy with locally sourced ingredients
• Artisanal brewing and natural flavor profiles
• A pioneer in the Italian craft beer movement

Baladin combines the heritage of Italian brewing with modern creativity.
Whether you’re sipping an artisanal soda, enjoying a beer with dinner, or pairing it with food,
Baladin offers a taste of Italy in every bottle.

Baladin Products Available at Destefano’s Market

We proudly carry a wide selection of Baladin beverages, including:

• Baladin L’ IPPA
• Baladin Cola
• Baladin Mela Zen
• Baladin Nazionale
• Baladin Cidro
• Baladin Agrumata
• Baladin Ginger
• Baladin Spuma Nera
• Baladin Cedrata

Why We Love This Brand

Baladin brings the flavors of Italy directly to your glass.
From fruit-forward sodas to bold craft beers, every product is created with a strong commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and Italian culture.

Where to Find It

Visit Destefano’s Market to explore our Baladin selection and other imported Italian products—including beer, soda, pasta, sauces, cheeses, and more.

Why San Marzano Tomatoes Are the Gold Standard for Italian Sauces

Walk into any Italian kitchen—whether in Naples or New Hampshire—and one name comes up again and again when the conversation turns to sauce:
San Marzano tomatoes. Revered globally and used in everything from Sunday gravy to Neapolitan pizza, these tomatoes aren’t just another ingredient. They’re a culinary tradition, a protected product, and the secret behind some of the best pasta sauce tomatoes you can buy.

At Destefano’s Market, we proudly carry several authentic San Marzano products because we believe great cooking begins with great ingredients. If you’re searching for the perfect tomatoes for pasta sauce or want to make truly authentic homemade tomato sauce, this is where you start.

Where San Marzano Tomatoes Began

San Marzano tomatoes trace their history back to the 1700s, when the original tomato seeds arrived from Peru and were planted in the region surrounding Naples. Over time, farmers cultivated a new variety that would later become synonymous with Italian cooking.

This legendary tomato originated in one specific agricultural region: the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino in Campania, Italy. It’s this blend of geography, history, and careful cultivation that transformed a simple tomato into the benchmark for pasta sauce tomatoes.

Why the Growing Region Matters

Authentic San Marzano tomatoes can only be grown in their native area if they’re to be considered the real thing. The region surrounding Mount Vesuvius delivers a combination of environmental elements that are nearly impossible to replicate elsewhere.

• Volcanic soil enriched by centuries of mineral deposits
• Warm Mediterranean temperatures with cooling evening breezes
• Excellent natural drainage that prevents waterlogging
• A naturally balanced acidity level in the fruit

These conditions create tomatoes that are thick and meaty, low in seeds, low in acidity, and rich in natural sweetness. The result is a tomato with unmatched flavor—never watery, never overly sharp—and ideal for slow-simmered, homemade tomato sauce.

Understanding the DOP Designation

To protect the history and authenticity of these tomatoes, the Italian government and the European Union grant official San Marzano tomatoes a certification called:
DOP — Denominazione d’Origine Protetta (Protected Designation of Origin).

When you see DOP on a can of San Marzano tomatoes, it guarantees that:

• The tomatoes were grown in the designated San Marzano region in Italy.
• The variety is authentic San Marzano, not just “San Marzano-style”.
• The tomatoes were harvested and processed under strict quality standards.

The DOP label is your assurance that you’re working with true, region-certified San Marzano tomatoes, not an imitation.

Why San Marzano Tomatoes Are Used in Pasta Sauce

If you’ve ever wondered why so many restaurants and home chefs use San Marzano tomatoes for sauce, here’s the answer: they’re naturally better suited to the job than ordinary tomatoes.

• Low acidity means they taste balanced without added sugar.
• High natural sweetness gives sauces rich, full flavor.
• Firm, meaty flesh creates a velvety texture when cooked.
• Fewer seeds and less water make thick, concentrated sauces.

This is why San Marzano tomatoes are considered the best tomatoes for pasta sauce, pizza sauce, and classic Italian dishes.

San Marzano Products at Destefano’s Market

Destefano’s Market carries several authentic, high-quality San Marzano tomato products—perfect for home cooks and professional chefs.

Carmelina San Marzano Passata

A smooth, silky tomato passata that’s ideal for quick pasta sauces, soups, and baked pasta dishes.

La Squisita San Marzano Peeled Tomatoes

Perfect for slow-simmered sauces and traditional Sunday gravy.

Cento San Marzano Peeled Tomatoes

Excellent for pizza sauces and marinara.

How Better Tomatoes Improve Every Sauce

Using premium San Marzano tomatoes is one of the easiest ways to improve your cooking.

• San Marzano tomatoes (whole, crushed, or passata)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh garlic
• Sea salt
• Fresh basil

Whether you’re perfecting your family recipe or starting your first pot of sauce, choose the tomatoes that set the standard: authentic San Marzano tomatoes.

Maestri: Imported Italian Meats for Antipasto, Sandwiches & Home Cooking

When you’re building an antipasto platter, layering an Italian sandwich, or crisping cubes of guanciale for pasta, the quality of your meat matters. That’s why Destefano’s Market is proud to feature Maestri, a brand dedicated to bringing authentic, imported Italian deli meats to American tables.

Maestri specializes in carefully selected, regional European salumi crafted by small, family-owned producers who still follow traditional methods and use locally sourced, minimally processed ingredients. Their meats are imported to the United States, then sliced and packaged for maximum freshness and convenience.

Who Is Maestri?

Founded in 2014 by Athos Maestri, a third-generation charcuterie expert from Parma, Maestri d’Italia was created with a clear mission: to grow the category of authentic imported Italian deli meats in the U.S. by combining heritage products with modern, grab-and-go packaging.

Instead of producing industrial meats, Maestri partners with artisan salumifici across Italy and Europe—producers who focus on their own regional specialties, from prosciutto to coppa and speck. Those meats are then shipped to Maestri’s slicing facility in the United States, where they’re thinly sliced and presented in easy-to-use trays, ideal for busy home cooks, delis, and specialty markets.

For shoppers at Destefano’s Market, that means access to the flavor and texture of true Italian salumi—without needing a passport or a ticket to Parma.

Why Maestri Belongs in Your Kitchen

Maestri’s range is perfect for anyone who loves Italian meats, imported meats, and the experience of a real Italian deli case. Their products are:

• Authentic: Crafted in Europe using regional traditions and local ingredients.
• Convenient: Pre-sliced and ready to serve, cook, or layer into sandwiches.
• Versatile: Ideal for antipasto boards, charcuterie, panini, pizza, and classic Italian recipes.

If you’re searching for high-quality Italian cold cuts that go beyond standard supermarket offerings, Maestri is a brand to get to know.

Maestri Products at Destefano’s Market

Destefano’s Market carries a curated selection of Maestri meats designed for cooking, antipasto platters, and serious sandwich-making.

Maestri Guanciale Strips

Guanciale is cured pork jowl, famous in Roman pasta dishes like carbonara and amatriciana. Maestri Guanciale Strips give you the authentic flavor and silky, rich fat that crisps beautifully in the pan and melts into sauces. Use them instead of bacon or pancetta when you want true Italian character.

Maestri Prosciutto

Maestri’s prosciutto is slow-cured, thinly sliced, and delicately savory—perfect draped over melon, piled onto focaccia, or folded into an antipasto plate with olives and cheese. It’s an easy upgrade from everyday ham and a centerpiece of any Italian deli spread.

Maestri Pancetta Strips

Pancetta is Italian cured pork belly, seasoned and air-dried for deep, savory flavor. Maestri Pancetta Strips are ideal for rendering into pasta sauces, tossing with roasted vegetables, or crisping and sprinkling over salads. They’re a natural fit for home cooks who love cooking with imported meats.

Maestri Antipasto – Prosciutto, Coppa & Salame

This ready-to-serve antipasto trio brings together sliced prosciutto, coppa, and salame in one convenient pack. It’s the perfect “open and serve” solution for parties, holiday gatherings, or a weeknight Italian snack board. Add some crusty bread, Italian cheeses, and marinated vegetables and you have an instant, restaurant-worthy appetizer.

How to Use Maestri Meats at Home

Looking for ideas beyond a simple sandwich? Try these serving suggestions:

• Antipasto Plate: Arrange Maestri prosciutto, salame, and coppa with Italian cheeses, olives, artichokes, and roasted peppers.
• Pasta Night: Crisp Guanciale or Pancetta Strips and toss with pasta, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper for a Roman-style dish.
• Italian Sandwiches: Layer prosciutto, coppa, and salame with provolone, lettuce, tomato, and oil & vinegar on a crusty roll.
• Brunch Board: Pair sliced pancetta or prosciutto with eggs, focaccia, and fresh fruit for a savory Italian brunch.

Whether you’re stocking up for an antipasto platter or planning a week of deli-quality lunches, Maestri brings the flavor of an Italian salumeria straight to your fridge.

Find Maestri at Destefano’s Market

Visit Destefano’s Market to explore our full selection of Italian meats and imported meats from Maestri. From guanciale for your next pasta night to prosciutto and salame for your charcuterie board, we’ve got everything you need to build your own authentic Italian deli experience at home.

San Pellegrino: Italy’s Most Iconic Sparkling Beverage

For over 120 years, San Pellegrino has stood as a symbol of Italian culinary culture. Originating in San Pellegrino Terme in the Lombardy region of Italy, this world-famous artisanal beverage brand has become synonymous with Italian dining, premium ingredients, and refreshing Mediterranean flavor.

Whether you’re enjoying a classic Italian soda, a citrus-driven sparkling drink, or the legendary San Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water, this is a brand rooted in heritage and tradition—and still produced in Italy today.

Visit their official website here:
https://www.sanpellegrino.com/

A Brand Built on Italian Craftsmanship

San Pellegrino isn’t just a soda company—it grew from an artisanal mineral spring discovered in 1899. Scientists and chefs began praising the natural mineral content of the water, and soon the brand became a staple in fine dining, especially across Europe.

What Makes San Pellegrino Unique?

• Natural carbonation and balanced minerals
• Crafted in Italy with carefully selected ingredients
• Distinctive, premium packaging that feels at home on any table
• A trusted name in Italian restaurants and specialty markets worldwide

From Michelin-starred restaurants to everyday family tables, San Pellegrino is one of Italy’s most recognized culinary exports—and one of the most beloved Italian soda and Italian mineral water brands in the world.

The Popular San Pellegrino Flavors

Not all sparkling drinks are created equal. San Pellegrino combines high-quality ingredients, real fruit flavors, and refreshing carbonation to create a lineup of drinks that are perfect for aperitivo hour, dinner pairings, or everyday enjoyment.

Citrus Classics

• Aranciata – Classic Italian orange soda with bright, juicy flavor.
• Aranciata Rossa – Blood orange soda with deeper, more complex citrus notes.
• Limonata – Zesty lemon soda that’s tart, refreshing, and not overly sweet.
• Pompelmo – Grapefruit soda with a pleasantly bitter, grown-up profile.

Zero Sugar Options

• Pomegranate & Orange Zero – Fruity and refreshing with no added sugar.
• Lemonade Zero – Bright lemon flavor in a lighter, zero-sugar format.
• Peach & Clementine Zero – A softer, aromatic blend of stone fruit and citrus.

Sparkling Mineral Water

The iconic San Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water is a staple in restaurants and homes around the world. Naturally carbonated and rich in minerals, it’s ideal for pairing with food, mixing into spritzes, or simply sipping on its own.

San Pellegrino Products We Carry at Destefano’s Market

At Destefano’s Market, we stock a curated selection of imported San Pellegrino beverages so you can enjoy authentic Italian soda and Italian mineral water at home:

• Pompelmo
• Aranciata Rossa
• Aranciata
• Limonata
• Sparkling Mineral Water
• Peach & Clementine Zero
• Lemonade Zero
• Pomegranate & Orange Zero

Whether you’re building an Italian-themed dinner, planning a holiday gathering, or simply looking for better everyday beverages, San Pellegrino brings a taste of Italy to your refrigerator.

Why San Pellegrino Belongs in Your Refrigerator

San Pellegrino is more than just a drink—it’s a small, delicious upgrade to your daily routine. With its balance of sweetness, acidity, and bubbles, it pairs beautifully with pasta, pizza, seafood, charcuterie, and cheese boards.

Perfect For:

• Aperitivo hour and charcuterie boards
• Italian dinners at home
• Mocktails and spritz-inspired cocktails
• Special occasions and everyday refreshment

If you love imported Italian drinks, premium Italian soda, and authentic Italian sparkling water, San Pellegrino is a must-have staple.

Stop by Destefano’s Market to explore our full selection of San Pellegrino products and stock your pantry with the flavors of Italy.

Guanciale or Pancetta? The Classic Carbonara Debate

When it comes to making an authentic Pasta alla Carbonara, few topics are as passionately debated as whether to use guanciale or pancetta. Both are traditional Italian cured meats and both deliver incredible results—but they are not the same, and swapping one for the other changes the flavor and texture of the dish.

Guanciale: The Classic Roman Choice

If you want true Roman-style carbonara, the traditional meat of choice is guanciale—cured pork jowl. It renders beautifully, creating silky fat that coats the pasta before the eggs and cheese ever touch the pan.

At Destefano’s Market, we carry Maestri Guanciale, an imported and beautifully cured product that delivers the richness, aroma, and melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes Carbonara truly authentic.

Why guanciale?

• It has a higher fat content
• Creates a naturally creamy sauce
• Delivers a delicate pork flavor
• Is the ingredient used in traditional Roman recipes

Pancetta: The Most Popular Substitute

Pancetta is cured pork belly and brings a slightly different character—leaner, saltier, and a bit firmer. While not the original Roman ingredient, it makes a delicious Carbonara and is favored by many chefs for its structure and balance.

For a flavorful and premium option, Destefano’s offers Maestri Pancetta, perfect if you prefer a slightly crispier, less fatty result.

Why choose pancetta?

• Deeper cured flavor
• Crips up beautifully
• More familiar and approachable ingredient

The Best Pasta Shape for Carbonara

The pasta matters just as much as the meat. The best choices for Carbonara are long and hollow pasta shapes that hold the sauce:

• Bucatini
• Spaghetti

For the classic Roman preparation, most chefs prefer bucatini for its ability to hold the creamy sauce inside and out.

At Destefano’s Market, you’ll find several superb bucatini options from some of Italy’s most respected producers:

• Di Martino – traditional, robust texture
• Gentile – slow-dried and bronze cut for exceptional bite
• La Fabbrica della Pasta – artisan quality from Gragnano
• Cara Nonna – a smooth and delicate bucatini
• Pasta di Liguria – coastal Italian tradition and exceptional purity

Each offers its own personality, but all deliver the structure needed for a perfect carbonara.

How to Make Authentic Pasta alla Carbonara

Traditional Carbonara is one of the simplest and most flavorful pasta dishes you can make. The key is technique, not ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Maestri Guanciale or Maestri Pancetta
• Egg yolks
• Lucatini Pecorino Romano carried @ Destefano’s
• Black pepper
• Pasta (typically bucatini or spaghetti)

The method:

1. Cook guanciale or pancetta slowly until it renders and crisps.
2. Boil pasta until al dente.
3. Whisk egg yolks and Pecorino into a thick paste.
4. Drain pasta and toss with the rendered fat (heat off).
5. Add the egg mixture and stir vigorously to avoid scrambling.
6. Add more cheese and pepper to taste.

With just a few ingredients and high quality meats like Maestri Guanciale or Maestri Pancetta, you can create one of Italy’s most iconic pastas right at home.