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Catànies are one of the most recognisable confectionery specialities of the Penedès, particularly associated with Vilafranca del Penedès, and are especially popular during Christmas and festive celebrations.
Although small in size, they are remarkably complex.
A traditional Catània begins with a whole Marcona almond, toasted and caramelised until crisp. It is then covered with a delicate praline made from almond, hazelnut and milk, and finally finished with a fine coating of cocoa, chocolate or refined sugar.
The result is a succession of textures:
crunchy almond + delicate caramel + creamy praline + aromatic cocoa.
This combination has made Catànies a beloved Catalan sweet, perfect alongside coffee, as an after-dinner petit four or as a sophisticated gastronomic gift.
The modern history of Catànies is closely associated with Josep Cudié and the confectionery company Bombons Cudié, founded in Vilafranca del Penedès.
The company developed and registered the Catània® brand, turning this distinctive confectionery into one of the best-known sweet specialities of the region.
The original concept was beautifully simple: a caramelised almond covered with praline and finished with cocoa powder.
Over time, different flavours and finishes were introduced, creating a wider Catània universe while preserving the essential structure of the original.
A traditional Catània is built in several layers.
A whole Marcona almond, chosen for its delicate flavour and excellent texture.
The almond is toasted and caramelised, creating a fine, crisp and naturally sweet shell.
The caramelised almond is coated in a delicate praline made with almond, hazelnut and milk.
Finally, the confection is covered with a fine layer of cocoa, chocolate or refined sugar, depending on the variety.
The result is a tiny sweet with remarkable depth.
The original Catània has inspired numerous variations.
Caramelised almond + white praline + premium cocoa powder.
Caramelised almond covered with dark chocolate praline and cocoa.
A more aromatic interpretation for coffee lovers.
White chocolate with delicate lime and lemon notes.
Inspired by one of Catalonia’s most iconic desserts.
A softer and creamier interpretation with chocolate.
Hazelnut praline combined with a subtle touch of Himalayan salt.
These variations demonstrate how a traditional confection can evolve while retaining its original identity.
For our Premium interpretation, we preserve the traditional structure while paying particular attention to the balance of textures.
Preheat the oven to 160–170°C / 320–338°F.
Spread the Marcona almonds on a baking tray.
Toast until golden and deeply aromatic.
Allow them to cool.
Place the sugar in a saucepan or frying pan.
Heat slowly until it becomes a golden caramel.
Carefully add the toasted almonds.
Stir quickly until they are completely coated.
Transfer them to baking paper or a silicone mat and allow them to cool.
The result should be a crisp, beautifully caramelised almond.
Blend the toasted hazelnuts until you obtain a fine paste.
Melt the white chocolate gently.
Add the milk powder and mix.
Incorporate the hazelnut praline and continue mixing until you obtain a thick, smooth cream.
Allow it to cool slightly so it reaches the right consistency for coating the almonds.
Take one caramelised almond.
Cover it with a thin layer of praline.
Repeat until you obtain a rounded and even shape.
Allow the praline layer to firm up.
Roll the Catànies gently in pure cocoa powder.
Turn them until evenly coated.
Shake off any excess cocoa.
The final finish should be elegant and delicate.
The key is to distinguish the different layers clearly.
The almond must crunch.
The caramel should remain delicate.
The praline should be creamy.
The cocoa should provide aroma and a subtle bitterness.
No single component should dominate.
The perfect balance between sweet, roasted, creamy and slightly bitter is what makes a Catània such a sophisticated bite.
For a Premium Magic Dreams Barcelona presentation, serve a selection of different Catània flavours as a tasting.
For example:
Original + Dark Chocolate + Coffee + Green Lemon + Catalan Cream + Himalayan Salt.
Present each flavour individually on small ceramic dishes or in an elegant tasting box.
Add subtle decorative elements such as:
The presentation should remain elegant and minimalist.
True luxury is found in the smallest details.
Catànies have a particularly strong connection with Christmas celebrations.
Their small size makes them perfect for festive tables alongside nougat, traditional biscuits, nuts and other Catalan sweets.
They are also ideal as a sophisticated petit four after a special meal.
A single Catània with a carefully prepared coffee can be the perfect ending to a Catalan gastronomic experience.
Catànies are best enjoyed at room temperature.
They can be served:
They also pair beautifully with dried fruit, figs or small pieces of dark chocolate.
For the table, we recommend a chilled 0.0% alcohol-free sparkling drink, especially to balance the sweetness and intensity of the chocolate.
They can also be enjoyed with espresso, cappuccino or black tea.
For a completely refreshing alternative, serve very cold sparkling water with a twist of orange or lemon.
Catànies have a natural connection with the Penedès, a region internationally known for its wine culture and gastronomy.
Although Catànies belong to the world of confectionery, they share the same philosophy as the region’s broader food culture:
quality ingredients, craftsmanship and respect for the raw product.
Almond, hazelnut, cocoa and chocolate come together here in a small expression of Catalan gastronomic identity.
At first glance, it may look like nothing more than an almond covered in chocolate.
But the moment you bite into it, several stages appear:
first the crunch, then the caramel, followed by the silky praline and finally the cocoa.
That progression of textures is precisely what makes the Catània so memorable.
Small.
Elegant.
Intense.
And deeply connected with Vilafranca del Penedès.
At Magic Dreams Barcelona, we bring this Vilafranca tradition into a more exclusive gastronomic experience.
We select premium ingredients, carefully balance the textures and present the Catànies as an elegant tasting of Catalan confectionery.
A local tradition transformed into a small Mediterranean luxury.
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