Unpacking Italy & Sicily - Part Five
Permission granted to eat as you like.
Hello friends,
I’ll begin by sharing that I gave myself permission to stray from my usual sugar-free, grain-free, and dairy-free lifestyle—intentionally choosing to fully experience and enjoy the food in Italy. After all, isn’t the food healthier there? Fewer preservatives, simpler ingredients, and a deep reverence for seasonal, homemade meals.
And Italy did not disappoint.
There were no feelings of guilt—just pure enjoyment.
Seafood in Sferracavallo
We drove along the coast of Sicily, arriving in the charming fishing village of Sferracavallo. There, my tour companions feasted on an abundant seafood dinner. I’m not a seafood lover, but I delighted in watching them light up with every bite. The dishes just kept coming—platter after platter after platter —even fish-free options for me. It was a true celebration of food, local tradition, and generosity.
A Local Colorful Market
Palermo is home to several renowned outdoor markets—not just places to shop, but vibrant cultural hubs pulsing with life, color, and tradition. Still caught up in the excitement of this incredible trip, I didn’t jot down the name of the market we visited. But honestly, I don’t think you need to know it. These photos speak for themselves. They’re a vivid glimpse into one unforgettable afternoon—one that awakened every sense and captured the spirit of Sicily in motion.
Our local specialist ended our market tour at the panificio—the Italian word for bakery. These beloved spots are woven into the rhythm of daily life in Italy, offering freshly baked breads and pastries that are nothing short of heavenly. Oh, the breads! I’m honestly suffering withdrawal and longing for just one more bite. That day, we were also treated to a Sicilian classic: cannoli. Mamma Mia! These pastries are pure joy—crisp, flaky shells filled with sweet, creamy ricotta, and often topped with pistachios. The contrast of textures, the richness of flavor—it’s easy to see how people get hooked. Whether for a celebration or simply a sweet pause in the day, a good cannolo makes everything feel like a moment worth savoring.
And as I discovered—cannoli pair especially well with a caffè latte. In Italy, this creamy coffee drink is typically made with espresso and steamed milk, served in a tall glass. It's milkier than a cappuccino, with a subtle coffee flavor that perfectly complements a sweet treat. Traditionally enjoyed in the morning, but honestly, it’s delightful any time of day. One sip, one bite… and I was fully, deliciously immersed in the rhythm of Italian life.
Mount Etna & Arancini
We traveled to Mount Etna, where the volcanic soil breathes life into some of the region’s most vibrant produce and vineyards. Rich in volcanic ash, the earth here is incredibly fertile—nature’s own fertilizer, infused with essential nutrients.
While I brought home local honey and pistachios, it was the arancini that truly left their mark. So much so, in fact, I didn’t even pause to take a photo—too busy savoring every bite.
A friend back home had insisted we try them—arancini, the beloved Sicilian rice balls—and he wasn’t wrong. Crisp on the outside, warm and savory on the inside, they tasted like comfort and care rolled into one. Each bite felt like a love letter from Sicily itself.
Luckily, when we left Sicily, we also left behind these golden balls of goodness… and their calories.
I’m sharing a few photos from our time at Mount Etna. One unique part of the experience? We were encouraged to scoop up some volcanic ash and stones to take home. I happily filled a bag for my husband—Italy’s most unusual souvenir.
Photo Credit to my daughter Stefanie. Without her snapping all these amazing photos, I’d be having a hard time recalling our journey.
Tomorrow, we’ll visit two local farms—each run by charming hosts with fascinating stories to share — and more food.
I forgot the photo!
Have you ever tasted something so unforgettable, you didn’t even stop to take a photo?
The Kitchen Table gathering returns Friday, June 20. Stay tuned for details. I’m leaning towards a theme that will have us conversing over travel experiences and bringing a magical memory alive through our creativity!
I must say the food excited me far more than the cats, 🤣🤣🤣. It's difficult to return to ordinary fare I'm sure.
Delizioso! I am a seafood fan for sure. I would have loved to be there for that feast! It's wonderful that you were able to eat as an Italian. 😁
And one of my favourite dishes ever was a cod fish pie I had in Portugal. I never took a picture either but I did make sure it was my last meal before coming home. Secret ingredient was cream...what could be better?!! lol