Large Sicilian Pastries and more……….

During  a recent visit to the town of Aci Sant’Antonio, on the foothills of Mt. Etna, my friends, the Patane’s introduced me to the owners of a pastry shop which is  known for the particular pastries it produces.  The owners are the Miraglia family and I spoke to the uncle who works at the counter while the nephews, the pastry chefs, were working in the back. 

Mr. Miraglia explained that in the old days pastries were in fact made in  these large dimensions as there were not many pastry shops that produced them.  It was one of the nephews who had the idea to start the business twenty eight years ago and specialize in large pastries.

I was told to return on a weekend as there would be a larger selection of pastries; however, for now I will share some photos taken of the pastries available that day.

The large cannolo is 1.2 kg (that is aprroximately 2.5 lbs) –

This one was on display in the window and the baskets in the back contain marzipan fruit

The chocolate filled croissants weigh from 1.5 – 2 kg (approximately 3-4 lbs)

Rhum Baba   My favorite!

The Miraglia family also makes the traditional Sicilian Tavola Calda in large sizes.

Cartocciate – usually stuffed with cheese, ham and tomato

Arancini – Rice balls traditionally stuffed with meat, mozzarella and tomato sauce –