Tag: sicily itinerary

  • Wild Fennel Makes For A Happy Spring

    Happy Spring! Nothing says spring in Sicily more than wild fennel. And today, being the vernal equinox, I want to bring attention to this fragrant, flavorful plant that grows wild all over the island, and is the principal ingredient of pasta con le sarde (after the sardines of course!). Not to be confused with the…

  • Joy From Saint Joseph

    Thank you to everyone who came to our St. Joseph’s Day celebration this afternoon! And thank you to Cacio e Vino restaurant for being such fabulous hosts. It was pure joy. A glimpse of our altar… Viva San Giuseppe!

  • 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…

  • Introducing Experience Sicily’s New York Cannoli Crawl

    If you know me, you know I love cannoli. And I love sharing this love with you! Well, this April 21 in New York City, I’ll be hosting a new initiative I’ve created, the New York Cannoli Crawl. It’s a Sicilian-inspired tasting, Italian-American history walking tour. Interactive and family-friendly, it’s a great way to see…

  • Saint Joseph, The Protector and Father

    San Giuseppe, or Saint Joseph, pictured in this altar from Sicily, is one of the most venerated saints south of Rome. The spouse of the Virgin Mary and the guardian-father of Jesus, he is regarded as the patron saint of fathers. In fact, in Italy, Saint Joseph’s Day, March 19, is also Father’s Day. Saint…

  • Palermo Rising

    This article: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/world/europe/palermo-opera-teatro-massimo.html published in yesterday’s New York Times, brought tears to my eyes. It really demonstrates what is going on in Palermo, Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2018. I can’t express enough the wonder and excitement taking place in this vibrant city that has been rising from dark times for the past two and…

  • Building Our Altar for San Giuseppe

    My heart is full of joy after spending the day with such wonderful new and old friends making loaves for San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph)! Thank you to Archestratus Books & Foods for being fabulous hosts! Viva San Giuseppe! ____ Join us next Sunday for la grande festa at Cacio e Vino with its outstanding Sicilian…

  • Prayer In Progress

    Working the dough! Be part of our community celebration! CELEBRATE ST. JOSEPH’S DAY Sunday, March 18, 2 p.m. Where: Cacio e Vino, 80 2nd Avenue, New York City Reserve your spot and more details at https://experiencesicily.com/saint-josephs-day-in-new-york-city/.