Originally from the town of Saronno (in Lombardy), Amaretti cookies had an interesting beginning. Legend has it that when a bishop came to Saronno on a surprise visit, a husband and wife mixed up this original creation in his honor. The cookies impressed the bishop so much that he gave his blessing to the couple for a happy and lifelong marriage, ensuring the recipe would be passed down through several generations. These soft, coffee-flavored Italian almond cookies are similar to macaroons. They are excellent with coffee, fine wine, after-dinner liqueurs, or alone. They also provide a tasty topping for ice cream, pie, and pudding, and can be used to bake delicious Amaretti cakes. Made by Lazzaroni, each cookie is individually hand-wrapped in colorful tissue paper, then packed in a beautiful red window box.