Primitivizia Mugolio / Pine Cone Bud Syrup

Elinora Cunacia—owner of Primitivizia—harvests these pine cones and stores them in sun-drenched glass jars for a few months, coaxing out the sweet syrup from within. In late Autumn, the syrup is filtered and cooked with sugar to a deep golden brown liquid. This prized condiment has a rich, woodsy honeyed flavor that complements fall produce like apples and pears, wild game and hearty meats as well as creamy cheeses like ricotta and mascarpone.