Pignolata Messinese

Pignolata is a traditional Sicilian sweet from the city of Messina, usually prepared during Christmas time. This festive treat consists of tiny balls of lemon-flavored pastry dough, fried or baked in the oven, then covered in dark chocolate and lemon glaze on both halves of the pastry. The name pignolata comes from the word pigna, meaning pine, because these rounded sweets are usually served in a pile and arranged in a pinecone shape.