White Almond Sicily

Stonehenge is one of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom and is regarded as a British cultural icon.  The site and its surroundings were added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1986. It is a prehistoric site and consists of a ring of megalith standing stones set within a complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments. Archaeologists believe it was constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. Stonehenge is steeped in folklore, myths and legends including that of King Arthur.  The Prehistoric site has long been studied for its possible connections with ancient astronomy. The site is aligned in the direction of the sunrise of the summer solstice and the sunset of the winter solstice.  Some theories claim that Stonehenge was constructed as part of a fertility cult.  Stonehenge is a very much loved tourist attraction BUT have you ever heard of Sicily's Stonehenge? Also have you ever wondered where the Sicilians head after the high tourist season when the summer crowds h

  Autumn is a wonderful time of year to visit Sicily and one of the most important harvests on the island is 'Vendemmia', the grape harvest.  The grape harvest in Sicily starts in late August and continues through September. It is the moment when the grapes, having absorbed all the Sicilian sun that they need, are ready to be picked and  prepared for vinification to make delicious Sicilian wine. Wine in Sicily has a history thousands of years old created from the essence of many invading civilisations. When we are in Sicily at this time of year my Sicilian big brother's children usually come to visit us to play with our dog Daisy and they will bring us a gift of 'Mostarda' homemade by their nonna (their grandmother).  It is a common gift to give to neighbours and friends.  Mostarda is a very thick marmalade made from cooked wine grapes called must.  This must is called in Italian 'Mosta' and in Sicilian dialect 'Mustu'. The must is created after the