52 Reasons to Love Sicily | #44. Explore It on Foot or by Bicycle

Spring is a beautiful time to take in the Iblean Mountains’ wildflowers up close. Summer in the Egadi Islands invites another kind of magic — the reward of hidden swimming spots. Fall serves up encounters with Sicilians engaged in the grape and olive harvests throughout the region, while winter months, which are mild, provide access…

Presenting The Cannoli Case

Experience Sicily has teamed up with Dancing Ewe Farm in Granville, NY to present the Cannoli Case, a box containing all you need for the freshest, most delectable sheep’s milk ricotta cannoli paired with passito wine from Tuscany. All sent directly to your home. Then, on Wednesday, July 22 we’ll gather on Zoom for a…

Let’s Talk Cheese: Part 9

In the Valle del Belice in Trapani Province, Sicily, they produce a DOP (Denominazione d’Origine Protetta or Protected Designation of Origin) certified “pasta filata” (stretched/pulled) cheese called Vastedda della Valle del Belice. The name, vastedda, comes from the local Sicilian language–vasta means “gone bad.” In other words, the cheese is made from pecorino cheese that…

Let’s Talk Cheese: Part 8

So, my tips when visiting the caseificio/cheese maker/dairy farm is to arrive early (8:30? You’ll have to ask their schedule.) to watch the process. But most importantly, to taste the tuma and ricotta right off of the draining table, when it’s still warm. Go hungry, and bring with you a few rolls of freshly baked,…