Skip to Content
Features

A Butter-less Colomba from an EVOO Estate in Bologna

An award-winning extra virgin olive oil producer from Bologna has reimagined the Colomba for Easter sans butter.

12:02 PM EDT on March 18, 2024

Pastry Chef Gino Fabbri; "Adopt an Olive Tree" gift box.

Pastry Chef Gino Fabbri; “Adopt an Olive Tree” gift box.

This Easter, Palazzo di Varignana, celebrated for its award-winning extra-virgin olive oil from the Bolognese hills, is bringing a new creation to the U.S. for the first time: not just any Colomba, but an original Easter Sweet ("Dolce di Pasqua") that reimagines tradition.

In a bold culinary move, this creation completely replaces butter with Palazza di Varignana's own monocultivar extra virgin olive oil. This Extra Virgin Olive Oil Colomba not only achieves a lighter, more sumptuous texture but, contrary to expectations, enhances its softness even further. This exceptional pastry is the result of a collaboration with Gino Fabbri, a maestro of Italian pastry from Bologna.

Infused with Vargnano Monocultivar Nostrana di Brisighella olive oil, known for its bold aroma and character, the dough gains a delicate, airy quality. The oil's aromatic and fruity notes, alongside vanilla and candied orange, enhance the flavors. Nutrient-rich with Vitamin E and polyphenols, it's topped with crunchy almonds and sugar crystals, making it a sensory delight.

An adopted olive tree at Palazzo di Varignana.

The Palazzo di Varignana also offers a gift marrying the tradition of Easter to a commitment to the future and care for the earth. Their Adopt-an-Olive-Tree Gift Box not only promises a 3-liter tube of extra virgin olive oil but also extends a 10% discount on new oils for five years, a personalized tag with the olive tree's name, and the “Varignana Passport,” an adoption-confirmation certificate that allows the adopter to follow the progress of their very own olive tree and monitor the oil that it produces. 

We at Appetito, having visited the property several times, attest to the quality of the products and the beauty of the estate.

The rolling hills on the property of Palazzo di Varignana.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More Stories

Comedian Candice Guardino Shares the Stories Behind Italian Bred

A lifetime of family memories continues to inspire the stories that audiences embrace.

A Taste of Sicily: Easy Pesto alla Trapanese with Sundried Tomatoes

This Sicilian classic is quick to prepare and packed with authentic flavor.

July 27, 2026

The Italian Summer Food and Drink Gift Guide

Bring a little dolce vita to every summer gathering with these Italian-inspired finds.

July 27, 2026

Italian Food News: New Restaurants, Menus and More (July 25)

From Atlanta to New Orleans and beyond, Italian-inspired dining continues to grow with fresh concepts and creative ideas.

July 24, 2026

National Wine & Cheese Day: Laurent Vernhes Shares Perfect Pairings

Whether you're serving burrata or blue cheese, these pairing tips will help you choose the right bottle every time.

Giada De Laurentiis Partners with Peroni to Bring Buchette del Vino Experience to the U.S.

The limited-time pop-up invites guests to enjoy an authentic Italian aperitivo experience inspired by one of Florence's most charming traditions.

July 23, 2026