Whisky might seem like an odd ingredient to add to dishes, but my grandmother used it in a few of her recipes.  She used it in her pastries, cookies and roasted chicken.  I like to substitute ice water with a few tablespoons of whiskey in my pie crust recipes.  It makes the dough more flaky […]

Pignolata or Struffoli is an Italian dessert that is popular (mostly in southern Italy) during Christmas and Carnevale.  Pignolata is typically made of little bite-size morsels of fried dough, covered with caramelized honey and topped with festive sprinkles and candied fruit.  Nuts are sometimes also added.  Another version from Messina is coated with chocolate and […]

These herb-seasoned breadcrumb stuffed clams are irresistible. They make great appetizers for parties or large gatherings. I serve them for our traditional seafood dinner on Christmas Eve. BAKED STUFFED CLAMS (Vongole Ripiene al Forno) Difficulty Rating: Moderate Makes 16 clams. 1 1/2 dozen large littleneck clams 1/4 cup olive oil 1/3 cup finely minced onion […]

Have you ever been to southern Italy after a tomato harvest? Tomatoes are laid out to dry in the sun, practically everywhere.  It’s a sight to behold.  Even roof tops are speckled red with tomatoes.  Sun-dried tomatoes are mostly eaten like olives and cheese, as an accompaniment to bread.  The tomatoes are chewy and moist, […]

December 13th is the feast day of Santa Lucia or Saint Lucy, patron saint of Syracuse.  She was condemned to death in 304 AD.  Saint Lucy is attributed to having saved the island of Sicily from famine, when a ship laden with wheat arrived in Palermo on Saint Lucy’s day, in answer to prayers made […]