These pastries are very popular in France, particularly in the south and Provence region. They are typically sold in bakeries and are made with leftover puff pastry. The filling normally consists of flaked or ground almonds and sugar, sometimes with the addition of custard. The pastry is twisted, rather like cheese straws, then baked in a hot oven. A sacristan is athe French name for someone who is in charge of the sacristy, (vestry) in a church. This is where vestments and sacred objects are stored. It's possible that the twisted shape of these pastries is meant to represent the sacristan walking stick or rope, but this cannot be verified.