Life in Tuscany & Sicily Archives - Page 2 of 5

Almond Milk Recipe – Latte di Mandorla from Sicily

The trials and tribulations of making the perfect latte di mandorla, with this traditional almond milk recipe from Sicily.

It’s Hot: Almond Harvest in Sicily

The almond harvest in Sicily at the Mastri di San Basilio farm takes place at the height of summer. Join Anita as she ventures into the August heat in search of pizzuta almonds fresh off the tree.

Italian Food Traditions-Preserve Capers in Salt

When the hot summer is in full swing, capers spring to life. Follow an Italian food tradtion and learn how to pick and preserve capers in salt.

The Sour Cherry Syrup Saga

Sciroppo di amarene is a tart cherry syrup made from sour cherries and makes a refreshing summertime drink. Traditional in Italy as a beverage or to flavor a grattachecca snow cone.

Sour Cherry Cake – Torta di Amarene

When sour cherries are plentiful, try making a simple rustic cake with the added crunch of almonds. Name it torta di amarene con mandorle and you’ve got yourself an Italian dessert. Here’s the recipe.

Heirloom Apples from Mt Etna Sicily–Italian Apple Cake

Small heirloom apples grown on the slopes of the Mt Etna volcano in Sicily, are delicious on their own or try them in this Italian apple cake recipe.

Have Sausage, Will Travel – Exchanging Regional Foods in Italy

Italians who travel to another town to visit family in Italy feel compelled to bring samples of the best of their regional food, exchanging it for local specialties to bring back home. I’ve lived on the family trade route between sausages, olive oil and gorgonzola.

How to Cure Green Olives

A simple recipe for how to cure green olives that does not require daily attention.

Wildflowers in Italy – The Magical Mandrake Plant

Autumn wildflowers in Italy include the magical mandrake plant, said to have mysterious powers.

Carob Harvest in Eastern Sicily – Food Culture in Italy

A visit to a carob mill when the carob harvest is in full swing in eastern Sicily, and time to contemplate the food culture of Italy during a walk among magnificent carob trees.

Pairing Italian Cheese and Honey

Pairing Italian cheese with honey is a common practice in Italy, and here are some tips on creating interesting flavor contrasts with cheese and honey. Special mention goes to my favorite carob honey.

Traditional Foods of Italy – Cucuzza Tenerumi, Sicilian Summer Greens and Soup

Traditionally Italian greens are available in the cooler months of the year, but when you crave greens in the summer, try these Sicilian tenerumi, from the cucuzza plant. Eat them as a simple dish of greens, or try our tenerumi recipe for Sicilian summer soup.

Italian Connection