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St Martin’s biscuits, an essential Sicilian tradition

St Martin’s Biscuits: A Timeless Sicilian Tradition

Discover St Martin’s biscuits – an essential Sicilian treat symbolising community, celebration and authentic flavours.

Author: Vito Costa • Published on: March 9, 2013
Categories: Desserts
Tags: cinnamon flour fresh yeast lard sugar
⏱️
Prep Time
45 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
45 minutes
👥
Serve
8 people
📊
Difficulty
Medium
💰 Low
🗓️ Autumn
⭐ 4.7/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • ✓ 800 g farina 00
  • ✓ 200 g sugar
  • ✓ 120 g lard
  • ✓ 40 g fresh yeast
  • ✓ fennel seeds
  • ✓ ground cinnamon

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
240 kcal
Protein
5 g
Fat
6 g
Carbohydrates
40 g

St Martin’s biscuits are a beloved Sicilian delicacy traditionally baked on 11 November.
These fragrant biscuits, symbols of generosity and community, exist in several versions: the classic crunchy spirals, the softer variation, and the delicious fillings with ricotta cream or jam.
Each one tells a different story, tied to the joy of sharing and the warmth of autumn celebrations. When they bake, the sweet spicy aroma fills the streets of Sicily, echoing festive gatherings and old family traditions.
According to custom, they are dunked in Moscato di Pantelleria – a pairing that enhances the biscuits' sweetness and the wine’s aromatic depth, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Combine the sugar, flour, fennel seeds, lard, a pinch of cinnamon and the yeast dissolved in warm water to form a dough.

  2. 2

    Divide the dough into small pieces, shape them into thin cylinders and roll each one into a spiral.

  3. 3

    Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake at 200°C until golden and dry.

  4. 4

    For the soft version, remove the biscuits from the oven when they are baked through but still pale.

  5. 5

    Serve the St Martin’s biscuits warm or at room temperature.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a richer version, fill the biscuits with ricotta cream or jam before baking. For a brighter aroma, add a little grated orange zest to the dough.

📦 Storage

  • • Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for several days.
  • • If you prepare the soft version, keep them in the fridge and consume within a week.
  • • To revive the crunchy biscuits, warm them briefly in the oven before serving.

🍷 Pairing

For the traditional experience, dip St Martin’s biscuits in Moscato di Pantelleria Liquoroso. Its golden colour and sweet, aromatic character perfectly complement the spiced flavour of the biscuits.

Thank you for exploring the recipe for St Martin’s biscuits. May these traditional Sicilian treats bring the same joy and warmth to your home that they bring to families across the island. Enjoy!

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