Tegole (Italian almond and hazelnut biscuits)

These concave biscuits are named after their shape – tegole means ‘tiles’, as they resemble roof shingles. They’re a tasty, nutty treat from Valle d’Aosta in the Italian Alps and go perfectly with an espresso. The biscuits should last about 24 hours in an airtight container, but they’re best eaten fresh.

Valle d’Aosta is Italy’s smallest region – but it punches above its weight when it comes to food and drink. Nestled among snow-capped mountains, with over 70 castles and a smattering of borghi (historic villages) dotting the rugged landscape, Aosta Valley shares a border with France and Switzerland, which naturally influences the local culture and cuisine. While skiing is an important reason to visit, there’s also a surprisingly rich food scene. Here in the mountains, robust, hearty dishes are the main attraction. This isn’t the place for tomatoes and basil. Beef stews, polenta, butter, cheeses such as fontina, and nuts make up the majority of trad Aostan dishes. Browse our full guide to the food of Valle d’Aosta.