cassatella di sant'Agata

{{Infobox food

| name = Cassatella di sant'Agata

| image = Minnuzze di sant'aita.jpg

| image_size =

| caption =

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| country = Italy

| region = Sicily

| creator =

| course =

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| main_ingredient = Sponge cake, fruit juice or liqueur, ricotta, candied peel, marzipan, icing

| variations =

}}

Image:Cassatelle di Sant'Agata.JPG

{{lang|it|Cassatella di sant'Agata}} ({{langx|scn|minnuzzi 'i sant'Àjita}}, {{literally|Saint Agatha's breasts}}) is a traditional Sicilian pastry from Catania made during the Festival of Saint Agatha, held from February 3rd to February 5th each year.{{cite web|url=https://www.lacucinaitaliana.com/italian-food/italian-dishes/minne-sant-agata-authentic-sicilian-recipe?refresh_ce= |title=A Sicilian Dessert Recipe: Minne di Sant'Agata |publisher=La Cucina Italiana |accessdate=2024-02-17}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20210113-the-erotic-origins-of-italys-most-famous-sweet |title=The erotic origins of Italy's most famous sweet |publisher=BBC |accessdate=2024-02-17}}

Description

The cakes are shaped like breasts to honor Saint Agatha, the patron saint of Catania, a Catholic martyr who was tortured by having her breasts cut off with pincers.{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/why-everyone-in-italy-is-eating-nipple-cakes/news-story/6d1331866c691487395c19b92bc5cfec |title=Why everyone in Italy is eating nipple cakes |publisher=News.com.au |accessdate=2019-11-09}} Saint Agatha had taken a vow of virginity and refused to marry the Roman prefect Quintianus, who reported her to the authorities for being a Christian during the Decian persecution.{{cite web|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256726/st-agatha-the-early-church-martyr-who-tradition-says-was-visited-by-st-peter |title=St. Agatha, the early Church martyr who tradition says was visited by St. Peter |publisher=Catholic News Agency |accessdate=2024-02-17}}

{{lang|it|Cassatelle di sant'Agata}} are round-shaped sweets made with sponge cake soaked in rosolio and filled with ricotta, chocolate drops, and candied fruit, such as oranges or citrons. The outside is covered in white icing and finished with a candied cherry on top. The ricotta is made strictly from sheep's milk.{{cite web|url=https://www.sicilianpost.it/en/the-origin-of-the-minne-or-cassatelle-of-st-agatha/ |title=The way "Minne" of St. Agatha truly came to be |publisher=Sicilian Post |accessdate=2024-02-17}}