Panellets, this All Saints' Day sweet, is not exclusive to Catalonia, as similar sweets are found in the Valencian Community, Aragon, and the Balearic Islands. These areas also coincide with those that were under Arab occupation, something evident in the main ingredient: almonds.
Popular since the 18th century, what began as an offering for the tomb of the deceased, previously taken to the church for blessing, and homemade, are now an undisputed annual appointment with bakeries and artisan workshops.
To the traditional panellet, made with egg white, sugar, ground almonds, and pine nuts, alternatives have been added in recent decades that seek a wider spectrum of flavors and offer creative versions. It should not be forgotten that since 2002 it has the European Food Quality Seal, which protects and recognizes the panellet, establishing the necessary requirements to ensure its quality throughout the production process, until it reaches the consumer.
Thus, the long-awaited moment to stock up on chestnuts, roasted at home or at the street vendor stalls that spread throughout the cities and towns of the territory, and sweet potatoes, is approaching. They are the feast companions of the panellets, and those who cannot wait until October 31st or November 1st can already enjoy them, because they go on sale a week earlier.
Pastisseria Carrió won in 2023 the recognition for the best artisan pine nut panellet in Catalonia within the framework of the competition organized by the Gremi de Flequers de Barcelona and, a few days ago, revalidated its pine nut panellet with the Panellet d'Or, the highest distinction. We find the third generation behind this artisan workshop: Oriol, master pastry chef, and Anna, attending and selling in the store, located at number 216 Bailén street. In their DNA, the vision that quality is non-negotiable, as well as the conviction that an artisan pastry chef and baker must use first-rate ingredients and the most important of all: time, patience, and care. At a unit selling price of between 1.85 euros and 2.10 euros, they offer assorted boxes of 6, 18, and 35 units, which can be filled with one or several varieties, to choose from pine nuts, almond, coffee, orange, yolk, Sacher (raspberry and chocolate), marzipan with chocolate (the typical chestnut shape), mango, tiramisu, Baileys, lemon, quince, coconut, and coconut with chocolate.
As if they were small jewels, in the display cases of Pastisseria Hofmann, in its stores (Flassaders, 44 and Avinguda Pau Casals, 5), the most classic panellets shine, such as the pine nut one perfumed with Haitian vanilla, the coconut one or the 100% Arabica coffee one, but its most iconic creations, typical of its signature pastry, are also highly celebrated, such as the pistachio panellets with marzipan and candied orange, raspberry, three citrus fruits or hazelnut with soft caramel and covered in chocolate, the latter being one of the house specialties.
La Campana has been making artisanal marzipan for generations, although it was not until a decade ago that they incorporated panellets into the counter of their shop-workshop, at number 16 Princesa Street. And they do it with a marzipan that is the pride of Maria Dolors Mira (third generation in charge) and her daughters Laura and Beatriz, made with 70% Marcona almond. To this extraordinarily flavored marzipan are added ingredients to offer a wide assortment of panellets varieties to satisfy all tastes and preferences: pine nuts (from Castilla, the best), almonds, candied cherry, candied orange, coffee, coconut, lemon with cinnamon and quince, with prices ranging between 55 and 69 euros per kilo, depending on the variety.
Continuing with the excellent artisans who have been sweetening the people of Barcelona for generations, Mervier Canal cannot be missing from any selection. One of their best-kept secrets is the use of a marble roller refiner, in the purest traditional style, allowing the texture of the marzipan not only to be exceptionally smooth, but also for the ingredients to be perceived with all their nuances. They have a wide assortment in bulk in their stores (Muntaner, 566 and Calvet, 15), and the price is 72 euros per kilo for all available varieties: pine nut panellets, chocolate chestnut almonds, egg yolk, chocolate pumpkin and praline, almond or coconut along with other options that prioritize recognizable and creative flavors such as coffee, marron glacé, quince, pistachio (new this year), cocoa and chocolate pearls, lemon and white chocolate or orange and dark chocolate.
Eric Ortuño and Ximena Pastor, the master pastry chefs at the helm of the renowned L'Atelier, innovate each year by drawing inspiration from themes and monographs to apply their creativity to the most delicious revision of tradition. This year, Baldaccini's plastic work has been the starting point to debut new flavors and offer interesting cubic panellets: in addition to the classic almond or pine nut panellets, other flavors that are very characteristic of L'Atelier's work have been added, such as lemon, matcha, raspberry, chestnut, coconut and chocolate, and Reus, with hazelnut cream and salted caramel inside. A succulence offered in different assortments, in boxes of 9, 18 or 27 units.
At Brunells, after the emotional hangover of achieving recognition for their butter croissant as the best of the year, they add pine nut, almond, coconut, cocoa, orange and chocolate, coffee, and pistachio panellets to their displays. As a nod to different cultures, an artisanal version of Mexican pan de muertos and pumpkin-shaped chocolates can also be found, along with fun "huesos de santo" (saint's bones) passed through the sieve of Halloween.
And finally, though no less delicious, Bubó will soon celebrate its 20 years of sweetening the most discerning palates with its seasonal sweets that celebrate tradition and creation. They opt for a more limited assortment, focusing on the four most traditional and popular varieties: pine nuts, almonds, coffee, and coconut. They are now available by weight or in boxes of 32 units both in their Born store, at Caputxes number 10, and in their online store.
Everything is ready to gather around a table and serve a rich selection of these exquisite, varied, and succulent sweets! Accompany them with some cava and, above all, it is important not to forget the roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes, travel companions that dress this tradition, loved by all, big and small, with flavor.
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