Tag: arancine

  • Santa Lucia Lunch Sun., Dec. 9 in New York City

    In Siracusa, Sicily last spring, I thanked Santa Lucia for guiding me through last winter–a particularly long and arduous one for me. Now, days from the winter solstice, I invite you to join me for our annual Experience Sicily luncheon celebrating the patroness of light, eyes, sight, and wheat on Sunday, Dec. 9 in New…

  • Celebrate Santa Lucia in New York City

    The days are short, with evening coming early–too early for my liking. This is why I have an affinity for Santa Lucia, the patroness of light: I seek her support during these cold, dark months. Please join me for the annual luncheon celebrating the Feast of Santa Lucia on Sunday, Dec. 9 in New York…

  • Day 3: Stirring Sicily East Live

    LIVE Day 3: Experience Sicily’s Stirring Sicily East tour with Zest! (of Lititz, Penn.) and Chef Nino Elia. There are many ways to travel. The first word is to have an open heart. The second, is to travel through a passion you possess. Today, during our cooking and wine tour, led by local mamma Alessia…

  • The Great Debate of Sicilian Rice Balls

    When you cross over from western to eastern Sicily, you’ll see some clear differences. One of the most significant is in the rice balls. Note these pictured. Some are round and the one on the top left is a cone shape, almost like a vulcano (hint, hint). Can you guess which might be from eastern…

  • Crunchy On The Outside

    Earlier this week, I mentioned that in the days leading up to and including La Festa di Santa Lucia, Palermitani don’t eat flour-based foods. So what do they eat then? Arancine, of course! Yes, these balls-of-gold are a masterpiece of Palermitano wheat-free street food, and Sicilians of the Conco d’Oro take their arancine very seriously…

  • Rice Balls Made in Brooklyn

    Tonight I made balls! I am full of goodies and joy after spending the evening in Brooklyn with Paige Lipari (right) at her Sicilian-inspired bookstore and cafè, Archestratus Books & Food. We made Palermo-style arancine (fried rice balls) from scratch, getting our hands full of sticky rice, breadcrumbs, and various fillings, including traditional ragu with…

  • Celebrate Palermo Food Fest with Arancine 

    From September 3-11, the Palermo Food Fest fills the city’s streets with typical foods from throughout Sicily and Italy. The town comes to life with chefs and musicians and artisans and more. Without a doubt, our favorite arancine, like this one pictured, will be enjoyed with glee. The fried rice balls stuffed with beef ragu,…

  • Before and For Dinner: Sicilian Hospitality

    I arrived in Palermo this afternoon just in time for the sun to go down… a bummer when for me it was like 11:00 a.m.; however, the evening was saved by my cousin Massimo’s hospitality (Check out his apartment on Air B&B, “da Max” in Palermo, that’s where I’m staying! A beautiful apartment.) and my…

  • The Arancina of My Eye

    Let’s talk about the lighter side of the traditions for the Festa di Santa Lucia: Arancine! Yes, this ball of gold is a masterpiece of Palermitano wheat-free street food, and Sicilians of the Conco d’Oro take their arancine very seriously on Saint Lucy’s feast day. The fried rice balls stuffed with beef ragu, peas, and…