Antonia's Sicilian Cookies

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas to you and yours 🎄❤️🌲

12/17/2025

The perfect winter snack, simple, easy, and Sicilian, roasted chestnuts are one of the simplest, coziest snacks of the season — and a true Sicilian holiday memory from my childhood.
Growing up, my mom always made these a couple of hours after dinner on holidays like Christmas and New Year’s. The smell of roasted chestnuts drifting through the house still feels like Christmas 🎄 to me. Here’s how to make them just like Mammina did ❤️🌰

1. Prep the Chestnuts 🌰
With a sharp knife, carefully slit each chestnut across the middle. (This keeps them from bursting and makes them easier to peel.)
2. Soak
Place them in a bowl of fresh water mixed with sea salt for about 10 minutes.
3. Roast
Transfer the chestnuts to a baking dish and pour in just a little of the salty water and another sprinkle of sea salt.
Roast at 400°F (about 205°C) for 30 minutes.
4. Peel While Hot
As soon as they come out of the oven, peel them right away — that’s the trick! They release their shells much easier when they’re hot.

Buon appetito! ❤️🌰🇮🇹

11/26/2024

11/07/2024

🌿Sicilian Olives part 3: Seasoning Sicilian Cracked Green Olives 🌿 🌿❤️Transform your Sicilian cracked green olives into a gourmet delight with a simple seasoning mix that enhances their natural flavors! Start with **fresh garlic**, which adds depth and a savory punch, elevating the olives from a simple snack to a flavorful treat. Next, incorporate **fennel seeds** for their sweet, slightly licorice-like taste, introducing a warm, earthy note that complements the briny olives beautifully. Add **Italian oregano** for a touch of Mediterranean flair; its robust flavor balances the richness of the olives while adding freshness. For a spicy kick, include **crushed red pepper** to awaken the palate with excitement. Finally, drizzle in **extra virgin olive oil** to enrich the mixture, providing a smooth texture and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Combine these ingredients with the olives and allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes for a deliciously seasoned appetizer that captures the essence of Sicilian cuisine—perfect as a standalone snack or as part of an antipasto platter!

11/06/2024

Curing Sicilian Olives part 2 🌿❤️

10/30/2024