Weekend Entertaining: Sicilian Supper

Sicilian cuisine is known for its bold, fresh flavors, and we’ve created a menu true to the country’s traditions. Flavorful braised chicken comes together in no time with the help of our authentic agrodolce base – an Italian term that refers to a balance of sweet and tangy, perfect to describe this medley of mild San Marzano tomatoes, sweet raisins and zesty capers. Vegetables, herbs and good-quality olive oil star in the accompanying dishes, which all lend themselves to casual, family-style dining.

 

Celebrate the arrival of spring by dining alfresco; Sicilians believe everything tastes better in the open air. Try these recipes and tips for your weekend get-together and celebrate the rich traditions of Italian cuisine.

 

Artichoke and Lemon Fritto Misto Begin your meal in the Italian style with crispy morsels known as fritto misto (mixed fry). Here, we fry up fresh artichokes along with thin lemon slices, which add a refreshing tang to the mix. Keep your serving style casual and simple by lining a colorful plate with parchment paper and letting guests help themselves to the appetizer, dipping the pieces in a side of aioli.

Southern Italian Braised Chicken Thanks to our flavorful braising base and the use of a slow cooker, this chicken dish requires minimal hands-on time. That allows you to spend more time entertaining guests and less time over the stove. Pass the chicken and vegetables around the table on a large, printed platter made of melamine, so you don’t have to worry about breakage.

Sauteed Spinach, Currants and Pine Nuts Currants and pine nuts give this simple spinach dish a Sicilian slant. Bonus: the side takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, so it’s ideal for saving time. Bring the greens to the table in a large bowl with wooden tongs for easy serving.

Flatbread with Rosemary and Olive Oil This easy-to-mix yeast dough comes together quickly in a food processor. Cut the flatbread into large squares and place them in a napkin-lined basket; the result doubles as a lovely, rustic centerpiece for your outdoor table.

Pistachio Cake Sicily is known for its flavorful pistachios; cooks use them to make gelato, biscotti and this orange-scented cake. Make the cake ahead and serve with a slice of gelato (homemade or store-bought) for an effortless, satisfying end to your meal.