Combine flour, shortening, and water. Knead and roll out as thin as possible but large enough to cut out the shapes you desire. Dried fig filling is placed on the dough in the shape of the symbol being made. Another thin layer of dough is placed over the figs and bottom layer of dough.

With great care and artistic skill, cut out leaves, flowers, etc., through the top layer to expose figs. The top layer is similar to a piece of "cut work." It is thin baked in a low heat oven to a light brown. These pieces are very important to an altar as they represent the objects that are sacred and holy in the life of the Holy Family of the Church.