The Canestrelli Biellesi are confectionery products composed of two wafers filled with a chocolate-based cream. The main ingredients of the wafer are: wheat and corn flour, sugar, butter, eggs, salt and baking powder. Some confectioners also add vanilla, spices and a shot of rum. The filling, made of chocolate, can also contain hazelnuts and almonds.
They have a rectangular shape and dimensions of about 9×4,5 cm, weight about 15 grams each.The origin of the Canestrelli Biellesi dates back to around 1600. In the Royal Library of Turin there is a manuscript dating back to 1805, "Notice sur l’arrondissement de Biella, département de la Sesia", in which the Canestrelli are mentioned as "excellent chocolate confectionery, esteemed and sent to different cities".
