Panettone, Italy's rich and sweet holiday bread, is in high demand during the Christmas season. In Dallas, no market has more varieties of this classic than Jimmy's Food Store. This year, the Italian food market offers a record 10 brands, priced from $4.99 to $29.99. Customers who ask, "Which is the best?" are referred to sales associate Mila Alvarado, known affectionately as "Professor Panettone."

Having tasted almost all of the brands, Alvarado has strong opinions. "A good panettone should have a super-moist texture, and is made with real butter and good ingredients," she says. Besides the traditional style — studded with diced candied citrus peel and raisins — there are versions with different mix-ins, including everything from chocolate to cherries. The best choice depends not only on personal taste and budget, but also on how you'll serve the bread, Alvarado says.