The crocetta di Caltanissetta is a traditional Italian sweet pastry that was produced in the comune (municipality) of Caltanissetta, Sicily, until the end of 1908, then forgotten about, and which has recently been rediscovered.
[1] The crocetta di Caltanissetta and the spina sacra (lit.
'sacred thorn') are two pastry dishes that were traditionally prepared for the feast of the Most Holy Crucifix by the Sisters of the Benedictine Monastery.
This monastery was located next to the Church of Santa Croce ('Holy Cross'), from which these sweet pastries take their name.
The rediscovery was possible after 20 years of research, that began with a person living in the neighbourhood who remembered how the traditional recipe was passed from mother to daughter over time.