Joan (Fisichelli) Brisimitzakis

During our Catholic Lenten fast growing up, Fridays and Wednesdays were always meat free.  My home is still meatless every Friday. One of our favorite meals continuing through today, is Pasta Ca Muddica/ Pasta with Breadcrumbs.  Its name comes from the breadcrumbs being used, muddica, meaning crumb in Sicilian dialect.

Makes about 24 pieces 3 c. sugar + 1 tsp. sugar ⅓ c. light corn syrup ½ c. water 1 c. honey 3 egg whites pinch of salt 4. c unsalted toasted nuts (almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts) coarsely chopped ½ tbsp. vanilla, lemon, orange, or num extract edible rice wafer sheets (see Amazon or a baking store near you) cooking spray parchment paper candy thermometer In a saucepan, mix in sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook until the mixture reaches 300°F with a candy thermometer. Set aside. Bring honey...

During the 5th century A.D. when torrone began to phase out in Rome, due to the fall of the Roman Empire, the Arab community brought this treat into focus in Southern Italy, especially Sicily.