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 Crocette di Caltanissetta, of lemon and orange, left to right | |
| Type | Pastry |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Caltanissetta,Sicily |
Thecrocetta di Caltanissetta is a traditionalItalian sweetpastry that was produced in thecomune (municipality) ofCaltanissetta, Sicily, until the end of 1908, then forgotten about, and which has recently been rediscovered.[1] Thecrocetta di Caltanissetta and thespina sacra (lit. 'sacred thorn') are two pastry dishes that were traditionally prepared for the feast of theMost Holy Crucifix by the Sisters of theBenedictine Monastery. This monastery was located next to the Church of Santa Croce ('Holy Cross'), from which these sweet pastries take their name.
The pastry chef who rediscovered them (plus four women from the Santa Croce district) are the only ones who know the recipe for these pastries. The rediscovery was possible after 20 years of research, that began with a person living in the neighbourhood who remembered how the traditional recipe was passed from mother to daughter over time.[1][2]
The ingredients of thecrocetta di Caltanissetta are typical of theCaltanissetta area at the beginning of the last century. They are almonds, sugar, sweet lemon purée, oranges or other fruit typical of the area, pistachio and icing sugar.[3]
