Crunchy cornmeal cookies from Piemonte.

These cookies are made in a bakery in La Morra (Pasticceria di Giovanni Cogno), the same area where Renzo Sobrino's mill is located. Giovanni Cogno learned the techniques he still uses to make Biscotti di Nocciola (hazelnut) and Biscotti di Meliga (cornmeal) from his father Carlo. Cogno uses all natural ingredients with no preservatives added. Paul used to snack on these cookies as a kid; now he's the sole importer of these cookies to the U.S. Packaged in clear cellophane or artful boxes featuring sketches of local Italian artist Gianni Gallo, these all-natural cookies make an exquisite gift.

These lightly sweet, coarse-textured cornmeal cookies have just a hint of lemon. They make a wonderful ending to a light meal and are simply elegant with a glass of Vin Santo or a cup of tea.