Thank Goodness For Fava

In the 10th century, a drought caused a severe famine in Southern Italy. The crop that sustained Sicily’s citizens during the famine was fava beans, like those pictured (Fresh, green on the left, Dried, brown on the right). Devotees of Saint Joseph prayed to him to bring rain, and in return, they promised to hold…

Beloved Sfinci di San Giuseppe

Probably the most famous food associated with Saint Joseph’s Day, which is March 19, are Sfinci di San Giuseppe. I photographed these in Sicily–not an easy item to find if they aren’t “in season.” Sfinci are fried cream puffs, served hot with a dusting of cinnamon, confectioner’s sugar, and honey, or cold and open-faced with…