Sicilian Mustazzoli

Biscuits

Daniele Pugliesi - CC4.0

Mustazzoli, or mostaccioli, are typical Christmas biscuits spread throughout Sicily.
The term Mustazzoli, in Sicily, indicates two different types of biscuit depending on the area in which they are produced .
In the Catania area and in eastern Sicily the term Mustazzoli indicates s-shaped biscuits made of honey paste with a rich filling based on cooked wine, ground almonds, scented with cinnamon and orange peel.
In the Palermo area and in western Sicily, Mustazzoli are dry biscuits whose dough is made with cooked wine flavored with cinnamon, orange and cloves, and whose surface is covered with sesame . These biscuits were already made in the eighteenth century by the nuns of cloistered convents who prepared them on the occasion of the main religious holidays, including the Christmas holidays.
Often, depending on the place where they are produced, these biscuits can take on particular shapes.