Quaresimali

Quaresimali are traditional Italian biscuits with a crunchy texture. There are variations across the country, but most often they consists of butter, eggs, almonds, and flavorings such as cinnamon, sugar, honey, and cloves. These sweet treats are traditionally baked for Lent, since quaresima means Lent in Italian. They've been served for Lent since the Renaissance, when they were prepared with just flour, water, and caramelized sugar, which developed a dark color that symbolied Christ's blood.