SC - Cookies and St. Francis

[Philip & Susan Troy]

Nick Sasso wrote:

> I recently procured this recipe from a franciscan list I subscribe to
> who claim it to be Francis' favorite cookie.  My problem is that the
> sender had a photocopy of a photocopy of some page out of some book.
> The ingredients are most certainly on target, especially if substitute
> breadcrumbs for the flour.  Alas, no documentation can I find.  I've
> seen recipes similar (the many gingerbreads we have discussed here, for
> example) and see this one as in line.  We are looking at about 1120-1150
> or so as a general time frame in Umbria, central Italy, near the recent,
> tragic earthquakes. (prayers requested from those of that disposition).

I'm assuming we're trying to document this, preferably with primary
documentation, but settling for what we can get, back to the lifetime of
St Francis of Assisi, which is actually just a tad later (30-50 years)
than the years you mention. The unfortunate but simple fact here is that
this may not be possible.
 
> My question is whether anyone has seen this recipe or one with the same
> title.  In lieu, would there be suggestion as to how to make it a
> 'period' presentation?  Would inferencial documentation be adequate?
> How much and how close should I come?  My personna is a fransican layman
> and I REALLY need this recipe to be useful in our setting.  (sure it'll
> be good at home, too)  Any help would be appreciated as I pour over my
> tomes and shuttle to the local University book repository for dust mites
> and divine intervention on this quest. :o)
> 
 
I have not specifically seen this recipe before, and have definitely
never heard the title before, but it seems to be a pretty
straightforward macaroon or almond biscotti. I'm working on the
assumption that the name "macaroon" is derived from the Latin word for
"Crush/mix". Had they been imported to places like England much later
than they were, one might make a case for the idea that they are a
reference to "macaroni", and thus all things Italian, as in the lyrics
to the song, "Yankee Doodle".

I suggest you look for the earliest possible recipes and literary
references to macaroons, and research everything you can find on Italian
almond cookies and biscotti. It might not hurt to check the Larousse
Gastronomique, Heaven help us!

Adamantius, who hates the Larousse Gastronomique, but admits that they
aren't ALWAYS wrong in matters pertaining to French and Italian foods 
______________________________________
Phil & Susan Troy
troy at asan.com
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