Muccunetti

Muccunetti are traditional small cakes originating from Mazara del Vallo in Sicily. These sweets were invented by Benedictine nuns of the local Convent of San Michele. They're made with a combination of egg whites, honey, almonds, sugar, pumpkin, and lemon zest. The almonds are ground with sugar and mixed with egg whites, honey, and grated lemon zest. The mixture is shaped into small balls with a hole in the center. They're filled with pumpkin flesh, sealed, and left to dry for a while. Muccunetti are then baked in the oven until golden brown. Before serving, the sweets are glazed with a mixture of sugar and water.