Given that traveling abroad looks to be off the menu for the vast majority of us for the foreseeable future, bringing a little taste of our favorite holiday hotspots home via favorite dishes and drinks might just be the way to go this summer.
As the largest island in the Med, Sicily is famous for it's stunning shorelines and warm waters - but did you know that it's also home to some of the best culinary experiences in Europe?
While it isn't possible to indulge in the real thing right now, we can at least enjoy them at home with a little help from Gino D'Acampo's Islands In The Sun cook book, which takes readers on a gastronomic journey through the history of Sicily and Sardinia. The Works have asked me to share a look at some of my favorite dishes from the book, to help us all bring the taste of Italy a little closer to home.
PESCHEAL FORNO RIPIENE DI AMARETTI, NOCI E UVA PASSA
This delicious peach dish with a difference is the perfect dish to enjoy a warm summers day in the garden.
It's a simple to follow, minimal fuss recipe and one that is sure to please the even the fussiest of palates.
Find Gino's Baked Peaches Recipe Here
PETTI DI POLLO CON SALSA AL MARSALA, POMODORO E UVA PASSA
Marsala wine is one of Sicily's most famous exports and was first discovered in the 1700s as a wine that could withstand long sea voyages.
Marsala wine with chicken is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for years, if you try only one recipe from this post - let it be this one.This simple yet delicious chicken dish is bursting with flavour, one for even the most reluctant of cooks.
Find Gino's
Chicken Breasts in Marsala & Tomato Sauce with Raisins recipe here
BUCATINI AL PESTO SICILIANO
Of course, no Italian feast could possibly be complete without a pasta dish - and as far as pasta goes, Bucatini is my go-to choice every single time.
Classic pesto as most of us know it hails from the North west of Italy, but Sicilians have their own version - the addition of a just a few ingredients gives the pesto more depth and adds more excitement to this simple, classic dish.
You can find this
Bucatini with Sicilian Pesto recipe here
INSALATA DI SGOMBRO AFFUMICATO CON ARANCE E FINOCCHI
Seafood is of course incredibly popular in Sicily thanks to the vast selection of seafood and fish available in the clear waters of Sicily's coastline.
This Smoked Mackerel salad is fresh and zesty, the perfect light lunch on a hot day.
You can find the Smoked Mackerel, Orange & Fennel Salad recipe here
COPPETTE DI ANGURIA
This traditional Sicilian dessert is usually eaten during the three day feast of Santa Rosalia, a celebration of a woman who was dear to the people of Palermo, Siciliy's capital, for her role in fighting the plague of 1624.
The dish usually contains only 3 ingredients, although the garnishes can vary from town to town.
You can find Gino's Watermelon Pudding recipe here
I hope that these recipes help to bring the essence of Sicily to your own home this Summer, and be sure to check out Gino's cookbooks to discover more.
Buon Appetito!
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