Curiosities about Saint Bones

Autumn arrives and the pastry shop windows are filled with Huesos de Santo. A pleasure that seems to obey more to the traumatology service of a hospital than to a gastronomic delight.

However, on November 1, All Saints’ Day, there has been a tradition of buying Huesos de Santo for centuries. This sweet, made with almond paste and sugar, offers a shape that reminds us of the small bones of a reliquary, which makes it especially attractive to children, sweet-toothed and morbid.

What is certain is that the Saint’s Bones are the answer to a historical need, as has been customary for centuries, which has much to do with the Christian tradition.

Where do the Bones of Santo come from?

The Moorish presence in Spain was the one that introduced ingredients as common in our diet as almonds or honey. Typical Spanish sweets such as marzipan or nougat come from those years of Arab presence in the Peninsula (here you can learn more about the origins of marzipan and nougat).
origins of marzipan
). However, the recipe for Huesos de Santo is much later, from the 17th century.

Who created the Bones of Santo?

It is said that a Benedictine monk was largely to blame for the invention of this dessert. This monk, seeing that the pagan Celtic feast of New Year was in early November, wanted to combat it by creating the Christian feast of All Saints’ Day.

September and October is the time of the almond harvest, hence the seasonal ingredients were used to make this sweet.

However, the first known recipe for Huesos de Santo is from the 17th century, and comes from the book “Arte de cocina. Pastelería, Vizcochería y Conservería de Francisco Martínez Montijo, Jefe de las cocinas reales de Felipe II”.

Do Bones of Santo exist in other countries?

In the first centuries after the conquest of America, the cultural and gastronomic exchange was remarkable. Many of today’s most typical Spanish recipes are made with ingredients from South America, such as potatoes.

But we also brought to the reconquered lands recipes of Hispanic origin such as almond paste. So, although Huesos de Santo do not exist as such, in reality there are very similar desserts such as Calaveritas de dulce and Pan de Muertos, which is very typical in Mexico.

Why are they bone-shaped?

The bone shape, specifically of a small tibia, is to remember the dead and, like other traditions such as Halloween, serves to break the fear of the dead or souls in pain.

The truth is that Huesos de Santo are a temporary pleasure, so it is worth leaving aside the diet, and treat your palate to some traditional and artisanal Huesos de Santo made at
Casa Mira
.

You can find them in our stores in the center of Madrid, or in our online store.

Don’t miss them! We assure you a sure pleasure for your palate.