Sweet & Spicy Mostarda

Winter in California brings citrus – lemons, oranges, tangerines and limes. This year, I am fortunate to have friends with bountiful backyards and citrus farms that have gifted me with some gorgeous lemons. So, today I shall make mostarda – which is essentially candied fruit with essence of mustard (which a friend brought me from…

Sunday Chicken Soup Bone Broth Recipe

Sunday is chicken soup day at my house.  We had a freakish May rain storm last night with gale force winds which brought much cooler weather than expected for the beaches in southern California.  Here’s an easy recipe for bone broth  which isn’t particular about portions. Just use what you have in your house and…

My Sicilian Family

My Italian American moment: On February 23, 1915, after a 15 day journey aboard the SS. Guglielmo from Palermo, Sicilia to New York City, my great grandfather Andrea Bavetta and his family arrived in the United States. Andrea was born in Sicily in October 1861 – not long after the unification of Italy.

Climbing to the Sky

While in Caltabellotta, Sicily, we hiked up to the highest peak. The view was tremendous, from La Chiesa della Madrice to the ocean and everywhere in between.

All Roads Lead Up

Caltebellotta, Sicilia is an intriguing place that will steal your heart and your breath.