The Olivette di Sant’Agata (Saint Agatha’s Sweet Olives) is a popular dessert prepared in homes and bakeries during the Festival of Saint Agata in Catania. This most important religious festival is held every year from 3 to 5 February and again on 17 August. While Saint Agata is the patron saint of Catania, she is also a patron saint for all of Sicily and for breast cancer patients, rape victims, and martyrs throughout the world.

Servings: 20

Ingredients:

• 200 grams shelled almonds
• 200 grams sugar
• 1 tablespoon rum
• green food colouring
• sugar, small amount for coating

Directions:

Immerse the almonds in boiling water for a few seconds. Then remove the skins of the almonds.

Pound the almonds in 100 grams of the sugar.

Put the remaining sugar in a saucepan with a few tablespoons of water. Heat until the sugar starts to melt, and then remove the pan from the heat.

Pour the almond mixture into a bowl. Add the rum and a small amount of the green colouring. Mix together thoroughly until smooth. Let the mixture cool on a work space.

Rub small balls between the palms of your hands into the shapes of olives.

Coat each “olive” by rolling it in sugar.

Leave for a few hours, and then serve in a colorful dish. Buon Appetito!