Archive for 'Sicily and Sardinia'

Pignoli are Sicilian cookies; a type of macaroon typical to Sicily that is popular cookie throughout all of southern Italy, as well as in Sicilian communities in the US. There are many relatives and similar cookies that can be found through Italy and is also quite like the panellets served on All Saints Day in Catalonia. Made with almond paste, they belong to the amaretto family of biscuits.

These delicious crescent or round biscuits are golden in colour and are studded with golden pine nuts, which are also called pignoli and for which they were named. Moist, soft and chewy, they are, sadly, usually reserved for special occasions such as holidays like Christmas. This is due to the fact that almond paste and pine nuts are the primary ingredients and both are relatively expensive. However, they can still be found with relative ease in bakeries and food stores throughout Sicily. Just find a vacation rental in Sicily and you can try them for yourself.

Caponata is an eggplant (aubergine) salad dish from Sicily that consists of chopped fried eggplant and celery seasoned with sweetened vinegar, with capers in a sweet and sour sauce. There are all sorts of regional variations but the original is, indeed, a Sicilian dish. The scholar, Alberto Denti di Pirajno, suggested that the dish was born aboard a ship as a mariner's breakfast, due to the large amount of vinegar used, which would have acted as a preservative. Giuseppe Coria, an authoritative voice on the history of Sicilian cooking, meanwhile, suggests that its name comes from the Latin word “caupo” (tavern) and was, as such, originally a tavern food for travelers. Sicilian food authority Pino Correnti believes that its name is derived from the Catalan word “caponada”. Despite the lack of clarity around the exact origins and invention of the dish, it is to originally be of Spanish origin.

Nebida is a stunning Sardinian town on the coast that is known for its breath-taking natural beauty and bounty, hiking routes, popularity among tourists and fascinating ruins.

The waters around Nebida are crystal clear and perfectly blue, the sheer cliff-faces are romantic and terrifying and a warm breeze rolls in off the ocean, green hills rush down to white sands – it really is an exceptionally beautiful place and, then, what do you find amongst all this?

Italy has no shortage of architectural gems. In fact, for architecture lovers, as the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is a must-see destination. However, while many of these buildings and monuments may be stunning and majestic feats of architecture, there are also many that are oddities with strange quirks and unusual histories and origins. These stranger works may still be beautiful but there is no denying that they are unusual, which is only one more reason that they are fascinating and to love them! In the town of Bagheria, not far from Palermo, there is a palace that is both beautiful and very odd, indeed. If you have found a vacation rental in Palermo, be sure to drop by and visit it for yourself, as it has to be seen to be truly appreciated.

Villa Palagonia is an 18th century architectural gem and palace famous for its “monsters”, the grotesque sculptures of beasts and figures that decorate the garden and surrounding wall.

Pasta alla Norma is a typical Sicilian pasta dish originally created in Catania, a city on the east coast of the island. Thought to have been named after the beauty and titular character of Vincenzo Bellini's opera, it is made with tomatoes, fried or sautéed aubergine (eggplant), grated ricotta salata cheese, and basil.

Delicious and perfect for the summer season, why not find a vacation rental in Sicily and try this dish in its hometown while enjoying your surroundings?

In the meantime, you can try the recipe out for yourself as your plan your trip.