Itria – Sesame Seed Biscuit
Course: Mensa Secunda (Dessert)
Origin: Ancient Rome
Served: Cooled, end of meal
Event: Push for Pennsic 2004 – Early Roman Feast
Historical Background
Sesame and honey confections were a beloved Roman treat, often enjoyed at the end of a banquet. The Greek "pasteli" and Roman "iritia" (or "itria") bear close resemblance to these nut-and-seed sweets, sometimes served wrapped or portioned as single bites for the convivium’s conclusion.
Modern Interpretation
Ingredients
- 1 cup sesame seeds
- 3/4 cup chopped mixed nuts
- 3/4 cup clear honey
Instructions
- Toast sesame seeds and nuts at 350°F until lightly golden.
- Boil honey, skim, and simmer gently for 7 minutes.
- Stir in toasted seeds and nuts, mix well.
- Spread into greased tray to cool slightly, then shape into balls.
- Wrap in paper pieces. Serve at the end of the meal with fruit.
Basyniai – Fig and Walnut Cakes
Course: Mensa Secunda (Dessert)
Origin: Ancient Rome
Served: Warm
Event: Push for Pennsic 2004 – Early Roman Feast
Historical Background
These pastries reflect Rome’s love for sweets combining fruit, nuts, and honey—often fried and drenched in syrup. Figs and walnuts were common ingredients, symbolic of both prosperity and fertility. Variants of this style appear in both Roman and Greek sources, sometimes folded in dough or layered like modern baklava.
Modern Interpretation
Pastry Ingredients
- 7 oz flour
- 2 oz olive oil
- 3 oz water
Filling Ingredients
- 3 oz walnuts
- 1 oz dried figs
- Olive oil for frying
- 3 oz warmed honey
Instructions
- Combine flour, oil, and water. Knead into smooth dough and let rest 1 hour.
- Grind walnuts and figs into thick paste.
- Roll out dough thinly and cut into 2.5" rounds. Add 1 tsp filling, seal with another round.
- Fry in oil until golden. Drain and drizzle with honey. Serve warm.
Explore the other dishes served at the Early Roman Feast – Push for Pennsic, July 9–11, 2004:
