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X X List of Italian Feast Day Dishes
Frutti di Zucchero for The Day of the Dead
Originated from: Cattolica Eraclea, Agringento, Sicily
Occasion: The Feast Day of the Dead (All Souls' Day)
Contributed by: Notes, Franca Cucuzzella (as told to Mary Melfi); image courtesy of NYPL #110459

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Notes

In some other parts of Sicily muscardini cookies (according to some Internet cooking sites) are done for The Feast Day of the Dead (November 2nd). However, Franca Cucuzzella notes that in her hometown of Cattolica Eracles, Sicily this is not the case. In this town the traditional dessert served on The Feast Day of the Dead (or All Souls' Day) is called "Frutti di Zucchero," fruits of sugar. As its name suggests these treats come in the shape of fruits. Often these almond-based, fruit-shaped cookies (or pastries) are displayed on a bed of fresh fruit. When this is done the delicacy is then called "fruitti marturaiu." Prior to World War II not everyone in the town could make (or buy) this expensive dessert on The Feast Day of the Dead. However, those that did make it, would present the dessert to a family who had lost a loved one. The dessert would be given in remembrance of the person who had passed away. Generally, the dessert was brought to the family in the morning, and was not eaten till the evening. The "fruitti marturaiu" would be placed on display during the day, and only be consumed at night. Often, the one who had made the dessert would return and visit the family and enjoy the fruits of her labor....

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