As Christmas approaches, Calabrian kitchens fill with intoxicating aromas and traditional sweets, among which the scalille enchant both young and old. These treats, resembling ladders, are not only a delight for the palate but carry a deep meaning, symbolizing the ascent to the kingdom of Christ. The preparation begins with a careful mixing of eggs, combined with butter and sugar, followed by the addition of a pinch of salt and anise, an ingredient that enriches everything with its unique and enveloping aroma. The choice of vanilla yeast gives these sweets a sweet fragrance, while the soft consistency of the dough, achieved by sifting the flour, allows for perfectly shaped scalille. Traditionally served during the holidays, they are perfect for accompanying coffee or a liqueur, making every moment at the Christmas table a special occasion to share with family.

These are Christmas sweets similar to ladders (scalille) that, due to their shape, symbolize the ascent to the kingdom of Christ. Work in a bowl the whole eggs with the butter, sugar, a pinch of salt, and anise, then gradually add the sifted flour until obtaining a soft but consistent dough. Get a smooth stick at least the size of a pencil and about ten centimeters long. Keep it slightly greased while using it. Work the dough on a floured surface, then divide it into small portions to stretch into cylinders like breadsticks, about a finger thick. Now roll each breadstick one by one onto the stick, wrapping them in a spiral: gently slide this spiral off and place it on a floured cloth. Fry the scalille in hot oil, drain them on straw paper, and brush them with melted honey in a bain-marie.