Authentic Italian treats are now available at food spots across Norfolk after a bakery’s sweet success at markets.
The traditional desserts by Casa Dolce by Ily, a micro-bakery based in Costessey, can now be found on the shelves in Norfolk Food Hall, the Goat Shed farm shop in Honingham and the new GraCha in Norwich.
From Bomboloni, a filled doughnut, to Maritozzi, a cream bun, the business offers a wide range of treats to transport customers to Italy.
Bignè is a soft choux pastry filled with crème pâtissière chocolate or pistachio (Image: Casa Dolce)
It comes less than a year after the business was founded by Ilaria Palumbo, who started trading at Black Barn Farmers’ Market in Salhouse last autumn.
“It is very exciting,” she said. “It is nice for people to appreciate my products which I put so much love and time into.”
Growing up in Naples, Mrs Palumbo learned the art of dessert making at her nonna’s side and said it was something she always loved to do.
“Food culture there is very strong,” she said.
However, after moving to England in 2016, she found her time was consumed by her work as a nurse and role as a mum and found she had less time for her passion.
But after finding her joy in baking again last year, her husband suggested she should try selling her goods at local markets.
Maritozzi are soft, fluffy Italian buns filled with rich Chantilly cream (Image: Casa Dolce)
The 34-year-old launched her products at the Black Barn Market in September before she started trading at the Creake Abbey Market in February.
“Thanks to local markets and events around Norfolk, the business has grown so much faster than we ever expected,” she explained.
“We’ve had an amazing response from customers, especially for our authentic Italian tiramisu, which has become one of our most loved products.
“We are now proud to have our products available in places such as Norfolk Food Hall and the Goat Shed, helping more people discover real Italian flavours made with traditional recipes and quality ingredients.”
Customers will still be able to order from her website and collect from Costessey.
Dining and Cooking