The crespelle di riso catanesi, or "rice zeppole", are one of the many versions of pancakes (sfinci or sfince in Sicilian) used to make in Sicily. Invented by the nuns of the Benedictine Monastery of Catania in the sixteenth century and for this reason also called "crespelle di riso uso benedettini" or "benedettine", these delicious rice pancakes flavoured with orange and sprinkled with honey were among the many desserts that were prepared for the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19. Today, because of their goodness and simplicity of preparation, rice pancakes are very popular all year round and are almost inevitable at the end of every Sunday or holiday meal.
