CARNIVAL CHATTER

**Carnival Chiacchiere: a festive dessert**

**Carnival Chiacchiere**, also known as **Frappe**, **Cenci** or **Croccanti**, are one of the most beloved and traditional sweets of the Carnival period throughout Italy, but in Trapani, as in many other areas of Sicily, these sweet delicacies take on a particular importance thanks to their artisanal preparation and the authentic flavours that characterise them.

The history of Carnival Chiacchiere dates back to ancient times, when rural traditions and popular festivities intertwined in a perfect dessert to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring. In Trapani, Chiacchiere are prepared with love and passion, keeping alive the tradition and art of Sicilian pastry-making, which is still passed down from generation to generation.

Crispy, light, and sweet, Chiacchiere are made with just a few simple yet high-quality ingredients, which combine to create an irresistible dessert that captivates everyone who tastes it. They're perfect for serving during the Carnival festivities, but also for any other occasion where you want to bring a traditional and delicious dessert to the table.

### Ingredients for Carnival Chiacchiere

The ingredients for preparing Carnival Chiacchiere in Trapani are:

**For the pasta:**
- Soft wheat flour type 00
- White wine
- Lard
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla

**For decoration:**
- Powdered sugar

### Preparing Carnival Chiacchiere

Making Carnival Chiacchiere requires several steps, but it's a process mastered by the expert hands of Trapani's pastry chefs. The dough, made from flour, white wine, lard, and sugar, is kneaded until smooth and homogeneous. Once the dough is ready, it is rolled out into a thin sheet and cut into rectangular shapes or strips. The strips of dough are then fried in abundant hot oil until golden and crispy.

Once the chiacchiere are ready, they're dusted generously with powdered sugar, giving them a delicate sweetness and an inviting appearance. Their light, crumbly texture, combined with the sweetness of the sugar, makes them a perfect dessert for Carnival, but also a treat to enjoy any time of year.

### A dessert that may contain traces of dried fruit

Since Chiacchiere are handmade, it's important to note that the highlighted ingredients, such as lard and sugar, could cause reactions in people with allergies or intolerances. Additionally, the product may contain traces of nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and other tree nuts, so those with specific allergies should exercise caution.

### Nutritional table (per 100 grams):

- Energy: 335.11 kcal
- Fat: 8.64 g
- of which saturated fat: 3.63 g
- Carbohydrates: 37.65 g
- of which sugars: 15.48 g
- Fiber: 1.39 g
- Protein: 6.16 g
- Salt: 0.01 g

### A dessert that tells its story

Carnival Chiacchiere are not only a delicious treat, but also a symbol of Sicilian tradition, rooted in the history of Trapani. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these crunchy biscuits are the perfect example of how Sicilian cuisine transforms humble ingredients into a delicious dessert.

Carnival Chiacchiere are more than just a dessert; they're a ritual that unites families and communities during Carnival, a time of joy and conviviality that has spanned centuries, keeping alive the tradition of Trapani's artisanal pastry-making. With their unmistakable flavor, these delicacies are sure to captivate anyone who tastes them, bringing a little bit of Trapani to every bite.