Sicilian Christmas Culinary Secrets

About

A Sicilian Christmas in the Kitchen

Imagine immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere of a Sicilian Christmas, where the scents of citrus fruits, spices, and traditional sweets fill the air. In this exclusive cooking class, you’ll uncover the ancient culinary traditions of Sicily in celebration of Christmas. Together, we’ll cook beloved dishes from Catania and the Sicilian holiday tradition.

What to Expect from the Class:

Sicilian Welcome: We’ll begin with a brief introduction to the history of Christmas in Sicily, paired with a welcome toast featuring a traditional drink, such as mulled wine infused with Sicilian citrus.

Preparation of Traditional Recipes:

• Appetizer: For example, a refreshing orange and fennel salad, highlighting the island's authentic flavors.

• Main Course: Together, we’ll prepare pasta with sardines and wild fennel, enriched with pine nuts and raisins—a first course that combines the intense flavors and unique aromas of the Mediterranean. Or, a second course, such as Baccalà alla ghiotta, a Christmas classic.

• Dessert: We’ll end with buccellati—biscuits filled with figs, almonds, and spices—or a festive Cannoli Cake decorated with a Christmas theme.

Tasting and Sharing Time: At the close of the lesson, we’ll gather to enjoy the dishes we’ve prepared, sharing stories and insights about Sicilian Christmas cuisine.

Bring a spirit of discovery and celebration! Join us to experience the magic of a Sicilian Christmas in a cooking lesson that will fill your heart—and your plate—with the warmth and flavors of the island.

Menu

Sample Welcome Appetizer Menu

• Caponata
• Parmigiana
• Bruschetta with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives

Sample First Course Menu

• Paccheri alla Spadara with Swordfish and Olives
• Linguine with Clams and Fresh Parsley
• Linguine with Octopus Ragù

Sample Second Course Menu

• Codfish alla Ghiotta with Capers
• Stuffed Squid with Breadcrumbs and Raisins

Sample Dessert Menu

• Traditional Sicilian "Lune" with Shortcrust Pastry and Dried Fruit
• Cannoli Cake with Fresh Ricotta

Schedule

Lunch Session

• 11.30 AM Welcome drink (aperitif)
• 12.00 AM First cooking and tasting session
• 1.00 PM: Second cooking and tasting session
• 2:00 PM: Dessert session and time to enjoy the dishes
• 3:00 PM: End of class.

Dinner Session

• 5.30 PM Welcome drink (aperitif)
• 6.00 PM First cooking and tasting session
• 7.00 PM: Second cooking and tasting session
• 8:00 PM: Dessert session and time to enjoy the dishes
• 9:00 PM: End of class.