Sfințișori

Sfințișori, also known as mucenici moldovenești, are delightful traditional pastries from Romania and Moldova. These treats are prepared to honor the Christian feast of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, celebrated on March 9.

In the region of Moldavia, Sfințișori are crafted by shaping dough into large figure eights, baking them until golden, and then generously coating them with honey and walnuts. This creates a sweet, nutty pastry that is both delectable and symbolic.

In contrast, other parts of Romania, such as Muntenia and Dobruja, have their own version of this tradition. Here, mucenici are made by boiling smaller dough pieces in water along with sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts. This method represents the lake where the Martyrs were cast, adding a layer of historical and spiritual significance to the dish.

Both versions of these pastries hold deep cultural and religious meaning in Romania and Moldova, making them a cherished part of the celebrations for this special feast day.