This dessert was known as early as the time of Marco Polo (the 13th and 14th Centuries) when frying was first brought to our land from the Orient. The name originates from the Italian word “fritto”, meaning fried. This is a fried sweet pastry called “fritole” in Slovenian Istria and also “fancli” in some places. There are many variations; some recipes contain yeast, others baking powder, yoghurt or raisins. In the Slovene language, they are known as “miške” which means mice, because their form is reminiscent of mice. Otherwise, “fritole” or “fancli” are a typical Christmas dessert or, in some places, they are made for the Carnival because they taste like donuts. In the past, large quantities of “fritole” were prepared on Christmas Eve (on the evening of the “Vigil”) and placed in clay pots or wooden tubs and left on the table until Epiphany.