Many different cultures have variations of fruit cakes that are traditionally made and served during winter and, in Christian cultures, over Christmas, which makes sense as it allowed delicious fruits to be made available even when they were out of season in the past. Today, we have many more ways to access fruits throughout the year and more options when it comes to sweet things, in general, yet these traditional treats are so firmly connected to the festive season that they remain popular.
Sicily is absolutely no different, it has buccellato: a combination of figs, raisins, dates, nuts (usually almonds) and candied citrus like fruits (like citron) that are baked as either a round cookie shell, as a ring cake, or as small pastries. Its exact origins have been lost to the mists of time and it is uncertain as to when Sicilians began making it but it has been around for centuries. Associated with family milestones, it can be given by Godparents to the parents of their godchild or by best man or maid of honour to the parents of the bride and represents good fortune and prosperity.
Sicily is absolutely no different, it has buccellato: a combination of figs, raisins, dates, nuts (usually almonds) and candied citrus like fruits (like citron) that are baked as either a round cookie shell, as a ring cake, or as small pastries. Its exact origins have been lost to the mists of time and it is uncertain as to when Sicilians began making it but it has been around for centuries. Associated with family milestones, it can be given by Godparents to the parents of their godchild or by best man or maid of honour to the parents of the bride and represents good fortune and prosperity.
Today, the dish is most commonly associated with Christmas and is the quintessential Sicilian holiday cake. There is no single recipe that is accepted as the standard but we have sourced one for you here on the Mangia Bene Pasta website, if you want to try making it for yourself. If you have found a vacation rental in Sicily over the festive season and you are better at eating food than making it, there will be buccellati available in bakeries and stores all over. It is one of the must-try foods and something you should have on the dinner table on Christmas day if you are spending it in the region!
