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.

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.
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.
The rolling hills on the property of Palazzo di Varignana.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Creamy Seafood Carbonara with Prawns and Calamari

Chef Paul Watters shares a creamy seafood carbonara made with prawns, calamari, Parmesan and fresh herbs tossed with silky pasta.

March 11, 2026

Emilia D’Albero Wins Best Cheesemonger at Mondial du Fromage

Emilia D’Albero talks about serving Stilton-infused mascarpone whipped cream in her great-grandmother’s espresso cups, a perfect day off, and why you should make friends with your local cheesemonger.

March 11, 2026

Nino Coniglio on Lucky Charlie and Coal Oven Pizza in Bushwick

The Williamsburg Pizza founder shares the philosophy behind his restaurants, from Italian American tradition to late-night dining in Bushwick.

March 10, 2026

Italian Rainbow Cookies from The Scone Queen Bakes

Chef Danielle Sepsy shares her nostalgic recipe for Italian rainbow cookies, inspired by her grandmother and featured in her debut cookbook The Scone Queen Bakes.

March 10, 2026

A Day in the Life of Retreat Chef Jane Olivia

Arizona travel chef Jane Olivia shares what it takes to cook for retreats, private clients and wellness focused gatherings.

Volere la Botte Piena e la Moglie Ubriaca: The Arithmetic of Desire

Why a full barrel and a drunken wife still explain our impossible wishes.

March 9, 2026
See all posts