The “modern” history of gelato begins in the Renaissance when frozen desserts became very popular in Europe by way of France, although it is an Italian we must thank for it: Caterina de' Medici, powerful women and lover of good food . Alchemist Cosimo Ruggieri, created for her the first gelato flavor, the "fior di latte". The architect Bernardo Buontalenti seems to have later added eggs to the Ruggeri's prototype, inventing the gelato alla crema d’uovo ( cream gelato). During warmer months, gelato - the Italian equivalent of ice cream - is a national obsession. It's considered a snack rather than a dessert and consumed on foot, usually at a leisurely stroll.