CASSATA

'Cassata' or 'Cassata siciliana' is a traditional sweet from the province of Palermo, Sicily (Italy). It is similar to the French gateau, and consists of pound cake moisted with kirschwasser or an orange liqueur and layered with a ricotta, candied peel, and chocolate filling, similar to cannoli cream. Most variants are also covered with a shell of marzipan or chocolate frosting.
The word "Cassata" comes from Arabic ''qashatah'' (cf. Latin ''caseata,'' anything made of cheese) and was first introduced during the Arab rule in Sicily from the 9th to the 11th century.
"Cassata" refers also to a type of Italian gelato inspired by the Cassata sweet.