Watermelons are a typical, and beloved, conclusion to an American summer grill party. In Sicily, watermelons are also popular eaten in their raw state as well as being the main ingredient in an amazing sweet pudding for dessert. The main ingredients of this Sicilian gelu ‘i muluni, watermelon pudding, were all introduced by Arab farmers […]
Apricots, Nectarines, Peaches Make “Moon of the Faithful” Syrup for Crêpes
August 8, 2017 by Leave a Comment
This Sicilian sweet syrup is part of what is known folklorically as being part of cucina arabo-sicula, the cooking influenced by the long ago Arab presence in Sicily. In some Muslim countries, the apricot is known as the “moon of the faithful.” The apricot belongs in the same family as the peach and nectarine, all […]
Sicilians Know Swordfish!
September 14, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The popularity of swordfish in Sicily goes back to the ancient Greeks when they established colonies on the island. But this preparation has four of the hallmarks of cucina arabo-sicula, the folkloric cuisine believed to be vestigial of Arab influence from the Arab-Sicilian era of the ninth to twelfth centuries: the use of citrus, grilled […]
Sicily’s Cucina Erotica All in a Seafood Stew
April 12, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Sicilians are noted for culinary preparations with vulgar names. It’s not clear when this tradition began, but many of these dishes are sexual in nature and considered part of what would be called cucina erotica. One particular style of preparation–and actually the name of the sauce in a variety of preparations–is called picchi-pácchiu, referring to […]
Give Christmas A Sicilian Spin With Hearty Tummala
December 9, 2015 by 2 Comments
Families all seem to have their own Christmas classics — roast turkey, baked ham, crown roast or pork, or prime rib. Many Italian-Americans will have lasagna or a feast of seven fishes. One spectacular preparation for a change of pace is to follow some families and make the classic Sicilian Christmas tummàla. Tummàla is a […]
Using History to Create Inventive Dishes–Stuffed Lamb with Amaretti
November 30, 2015 by Leave a Comment
I first became fascinated with the role of the Arabs in Sicily after a trip to that island in 1983. There were noticeable Arab influences in everything from palaces, to bridges, to woodwork, to architecture, as well as a curious feeling to the local Sicilian food—not all of it, but some of it—which felt “Arab” […]
Grilled Sausage Skewers for an End of Summer Grill Party
August 31, 2015 by Leave a Comment
One way I like to grill when having a grill party is by not having all those blazing hot coals go to waste. What I mean is that here you’ve got a nice fire going so why not continue to cook on it–not just your steak but appetizers too. By the way, although I’ve written […]
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