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Messina Mustazzoli – Sicilian Spice Cakes

Messina Mustazzoli – Sicilian Spice Cakes

Discover the delightful Messina mustazzoli, traditional Sicilian spiced biscuits steeped in history, perfect for your festive celebrations!

⏱️
Prep Time
about 30 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 15 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 6
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Budget-friendly
🗓️ Winter
4.7/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500g plain flour
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 50g almonds
  • 1 clove
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Cinnamon (to taste)
  • Butter

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
200 kcal
Protein
4 g
Fat
8 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fiber
2 g
Sugars
15 g
Sodium
100 mg

Messina mustazzoli offer a true taste of Sicily’s ancient flavours. These spiced biscuits, rich with almonds and warming spices, are a cherished Christmas favourite. Passed down through generations, the recipe harks back to Roman times when grape must was the key ingredient. Today, while variations abound, the signature crumbly yet slightly moist texture remains, making these treats utterly irresistible. Ideal to enjoy over the festive season, especially paired with a luscious Sicilian sweet wine, they’re an invitation to savour the authentic spirit of Messina.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Mix together the flour, caster sugar, finely chopped clove, a pinch of cinnamon, toasted and chopped almonds, and the baking powder dissolved in half a glass of lukewarm water.

  2. 2

    Shape the dough into individual biscuits and decorate with a glaze made from caster sugar dissolved cold with egg white.

  3. 3

    Place them on a buttered and floured baking tray and bake in a 180°C oven for about half an hour.

💡 Tips and Variations

Try swapping the almonds for hazelnuts to give a different twist, or add some grated orange zest for a fresh citrus note.

📦 Storage

  • Store your mustazzoli in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
  • They can be frozen for up to three months.
  • Best enjoyed within a week if kept at room temperature.

🍷 Pairing

Serve your Messina mustazzoli alongside a glass of Marsala Superiore Riserva Rubino Dolce to bring out their sweet, spiced flavours.

Why not give these charming Messina mustazzoli a go at home? Their rich history and delightful spice make them a lovely treat to share with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply fancy a taste of Sicilian tradition, these biscuits promise warmth and joy in every bite. Enjoy the baking, and do share your results – food truly tastes better when shared!

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