Torta di Fichi con Anice | Fresh Fig Cake with Anise by Domenica Marchetti

Coffee and a cornetto—or other pastry—usually enjoyed standing at the counter of the local bar, is the daily breakfast of millions of Italians. But if you are traveling around the country, staying at a hotel or agriturismo, you will likely be treated to a breakfast buffet featuring an array of freshly baked jam tarts (crostate di marmellata), ring cakes (ciambelle) and other simple cakes.

Over the years, I’ve “collected” quite a few cakes on my travels, such as this apple