Mastazzola di Riesi

Named after mustaceum, a sweet, ancient Roman focaccia flavored with grape must and baked under bay leaves, mastazzola are traditional must-flavored cookies made in several Italian regions. Typical ingredients include whole-wheat flour, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, almonds, and orange zest, but the variety from Riesi in the Italian province of Caltanissetta is special due to the addition of carob syrup, which gives them a very rich and unique flavor. Nowadays, these traditional cookies are mostly prepared at home during the festive Christmas period, but it is also possible to find them in a few local bakeries.