Pignolata honey

Pignolata al Miele is a typical dessert from Messina and its hinterland. It is a dessert in the shape of torchietti, which once fried is seasoned with honey and natural flavors. It is a delicious and scenic dessert, perfect for special occasions or simply to indulge in a moment of pleasure.

How do we prepare it?

The preparation of the pignolata involves several steps:

• The dough: A basic dough is prepared with flour, eggs, sugar, lard and other ingredients, which is then worked until a smooth and elastic dough is obtained.
• The balls: The dough is divided into small portions and shaped into balls.
• The frying: The balls are fried in plenty of hot oil until golden.
• The icing: The freshly fried balls are immersed in a hot syrup made from honey, sugar and flavors such as lemon zest or vanilla.
• The decoration: Finally, the pignolata are decorated with colored sprinkles or granulated sugar.

Why is it so loved?

• The contrast: The external crunchiness of the pignolata marries perfectly with the internal softness and sweetness of the honey syrup.
• Versatility: It can be prepared in different variations, with the addition of dried fruit, chocolate or liqueurs.
• Tradition: It is a dessert linked to popular traditions and is often prepared for parties and celebrations.

The honey pignolata is a fascinating dessert rich in history. Here are some curiosities:

• The name "pignolata" comes from the pine cone shape that the dessert takes on when the balls are joined together.
• The characteristic shape of the pignolata, which resembles a pine cone, is not just aesthetic. In the past, it was believed that this shape had symbolic meanings linked to fertility and abundance.
• In some areas, a little liqueur is added to the mixture, such as limoncello or marsala, for an extra touch, or it is also prepared in a savoury version, with the addition of cheese and pepper.
• The pignolata is not just a dessert to be enjoyed at Carnival. It is also prepared for religious holidays, weddings and other important occasions.

Honey, a precious ingredient, in particular the Sicilian Black Bee Honey, used for the icing is a fundamental element of the dessert. In addition to giving a sweet and aromatic flavor, the Sicilian black bee honey also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Ingredients: flour, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, honey, lemon zest, vanilla, lard, extra virgin olive oil

Produced and Packaged by N. REA ME 187524 - Mirto (ME) - ITALI