When you hear vendors hollering "bastardoni" in Sicily, it’s the season for the prickly pears known as "big bastards." Legend has it that this traditional food found in markets in Italy is the result of a feud. [more...]
A Personal Guide to Travel and Life in Italy
This personal guide to travel and life in Italy is culled from over 20 years of experience living and working in Italy. Get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to live in Italy, my favorite places to go in Italy, my recommended hotels and restaurants in Italy and even the darker side of life in Italy and how to cope with its mind-numbing bureaucracy. I’ll cover lots of different topics from luxury to adventure travel in Italy, Italian politics, culinary travel in Italy, Italian language, customs and traditions, as well as how I personally became an expert on Italian furnace parts.
Bastardoni-Big Bastards: Prickly Pears of Sicily
Posted By:Anita | 
No Comments | 
Hiking & Walking Trails in Italy, Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Understanding the Culture & Customs of Italy
Del.icio.us | 
Print | 
Trackback
Mon, 26 Dec 2011
Traditional Christmas Nougat in Italy–Perfect Almond Torrone
A visit to torrone heaven in the small town of Giarratana, Sicily. At the Torronificio Trapani, I watched how to make almond torrone, a traditional Christmas nougat that is popular all over Italy. [more...]
Posted By:Anita | 2 Comments | Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Provocative People & Cool Places in Italy Del.icio.us | Print | Trackback Thu, 15 Dec 2011
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. [more...]
Posted By:Anita | 5 Comments | Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily Del.icio.us | Print | Trackback Tue, 30 Aug 2011
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.
[more...]
Posted By:Anita | No Comments | Hip Trip Tips for Travel in Italy, Interesting Festivals & Events in Italy, Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily Del.icio.us | Print | Trackback Mon, 29 Aug 2011
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. [more...]
Posted By:Anita | 5 Comments | Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily Del.icio.us | Print | Trackback Mon, 15 Aug 2011
Celebrations in Italy – Festival of San Sebastiano in Sicily
The festival of San Sebastiano in Sicily is a big deal - not to be missed for the colorful mix of religion and folklore - with stunning special effects that will blow your mind. Join the patron saint celebrations in Palazzolo Acreide and experience a festa you will not soon forget.
[more...]
Posted By:Anita | 6 Comments | Interesting Festivals & Events in Italy, Provocative People & Cool Places in Italy, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily, Understanding the Culture & Customs of Italy Del.icio.us | Print | Trackback Thu, 11 Aug 2011
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.
[more...]
Posted By:Anita | No Comments | Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily Del.icio.us | Print | Trackback Wed, 6 Jul 2011
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. [more...]
Posted By:Anita | 4 Comments | Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily Del.icio.us | Print | Trackback Sat, 18 Jun 2011
Walking in Sicily – Foraging for Wild Asparagus
Foraging for wild asparagus is just an excuse to enjoy the beautiful countryside while walking in Sicily. Then there's lunch, which may or may not be asparagus risotto. [more...]
Posted By:Anita | 2 Comments | Hiking & Walking Trails in Italy, Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Reviews & Recommendations in Italy, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily Del.icio.us | Print | Trackback Thu, 3 Mar 2011
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. [more...]
Posted By:Anita | No Comments | Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily Del.icio.us | Print | Trackback Thu, 25 Nov 2010
