An Italian chef reveals festive staples on his Christmas tables at home

For Christmas, La Penna makes a few key dishes that are staples in his family, like panettone. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star

For Italian chef Stefano La Penna, growing up in his hometown of Abruzzo in Italy meant an annual Christmas celebration that was always centred around family and food.

“The most beautiful Christmas memories I have from when I was little are spending time with family and connecting over food.