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Of all the typical dishes from the Modena Apennines, this is one of the best-known throughout Italy and overseas.

If you are familiar with the Modena Apennines, and have perhaps been here, you will have undoubtedly tried “crescentine”, one of the local delicacies which is most popular throughout Italy.

Crescentine or tigelle?

To start with, let’s just say that calling them “tigelle”, as is the case in most places outside the Apennines, is not exactly correct.

The term “tigella” in fact refers to the discs made of refractory stone that were originally used to prepare “crescentine” by the fireplace. The word “tigella” probably comes from the Latin verb “tegere”, meaning to cover.

The “tigelle”, made with a mixture of chestnut soil, crushed stone and other elements, were heated in the fireplace and then stacked in a special wooden rack, alternated with “crescentine” dough, made only of flour, water and salt (no yeast). The heat of the tigelle caused the dough to rise, forming “crescentine” (from the Italian word “crescere”, to grow or rise).

Crescentine today

Just as “crescentine” were once simply everyday bread for people living in the Apennines, today they have become a popular dish throughout Italy and even overseas. Emilian fast-food chains and shops have also started up, selling exclusively “crescentine”, served with classic fillings and other, less traditional fillings.

You can try “crescentine” in many restaurants in the area; they often feature on the menu, accompanied by a selection of charcuterie and Modenese pesto, which is an absolute must; a classic flavour combination is indeed Modenese pesto (made with lard, garlic and rosemary) and grated parmesan cheese. As well as at restaurants, “crescentine” are often sold in bars or at local village festivals. 

If you want to try making “crescentine” yourself, we suggest you buy a “tigelliera” or metal mould designed specifically for the job, which you can find on sale in the local shops. You will be able to reproduce them at home, thinking back to your holidays in the Apennines!